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MOST  REV.  JAMES  EDWARD  QUIGLEY. 
Second  Archbishop  of  Chicago. 


1 90  I 


1851 

THE 

Golden  Jubilee 

Souvenir 


THE  HISTORY 

OF 

St.  Mary’s  Parish 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


1Q03 

THE  HENNEBERRY  COMPANY 

CHICAGO 


» 


Copyright  by 

DANIEL  GAHAN,  “JR.” 
1902 


7^2.7732-3 

St  2 


To  the  Catholic  Youth  of  Elgin 
This  Memorial 
of 

Their  Fathers  in  the  Faith 
is 

Affectionately  Dedicated 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 
University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


https://archive.org/details/historyofstmarysOOstma 


GENERAL  INDEX 

-  PAGE 

Preface .  9 

Introduction .  11 

Priests  of  St.  Mary’s  Parish  (Missionary) .  21 

Biography  of  the  Rev.  John  Guiguen .  27 

The  Establishment  of  the  Parish — 

The  First  Pastor,  Father  John  Faughnan .  28 

The  Second  Pastor,  Father  P.  J.  Scanlan .  29 

The  Third  Pastor,  Father  Andrew  Doyle .  29 

The  Fourth  Pastor,  Father  William  Feely .  80 

The  Fifth  Pastor,  Father  James  Gallagher .  36 

The  Sixth  Pastor,  Father  Michael  Carroll .  38 

The  Seventh  Pastor,  Rev.  Andrew  Eustace .  41 

The  Eighth  Pastor,  Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons .  45 

The  Ninth  Pastor,  Rev.  John  Mackin .  49 

The  Tenth  Pastor,  Rev.  John  J.  McCann .  72 

Priests  who  Assisted  Father  Mackin — Fathers  Carroll,  Griffin,  Sullivan,  Dwyer 

and  Lynde .  56 

Priests  who  Assisted  Father  McCann  —  Fathers  Patrick  Gildea  and  J.  B.  Murray.  74 

Establishment  of  St.  Joseph’s  Church .  52 

First  Pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s,  Rev.  B.  Westharp .  52 

Second  Pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s,  Rev.  Arthur  Riss .  52 

Third  Pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s,  Rev.  Joseph  Rohde .  52 

Laying  of  Corner  Stone  of  St.  Mary’s  Church .  63 

Salutatory .  68 

Prelate  and  Priests  who  were  Elgin  Boys .  74 

Rt.  Rev.  Maurice  Francis  Burke .  74 

Very  Rev.  Daniel  Joseph  Spillard,  C.  S.  C .  76 

Very  Rev.  Patrick  Keating,  S.  J .  79 

The  Rev.  Michael  Hennessy .  81 

Members  of  Religious  Orders  who  were  Young  Ladies  of  St.  Mary’s  Parish. ...  81 

St.  Mary’s  Parish,  its  Early  Days  and  Familiar  Faces  of  the  Long  Ago .  84 

Pioneers  of  the  Parish — 1830-1840 .  91 

Pioneers  of  the  Parish — 1840-1845 .  93 

Pioneers  of  the  Parish — 1845-1850 .  97 

Pioneers  of  the  Parish — 1850-1855 .  112 

Pioneers  of  the  Parish  — 1855-1860 .  120 

Judge  M.  W.  Hogan .  126 

Joseph  Healy .  130 

Hugh  Murphy .  132 

John  Nolan .  133 

Patrick  Daly .  135 

Benefactors  of  Early  Parishioners . 139 

In  Defense  of  the  Flag,  1861  65 .  143 

Among  the  Boys  of  ’98 .  154 

History  of  St.  Mary’s  Choirs .  157 

St.  Mary’s  Academy .  166 

Societies  and  Clubs  of  St.  Mary’s  Parish  — 

C.  O.  F„  Elgin  Court  No.  137 .  175 

C.  O.  F.,  St.  Joseph’s  Court  No.  235 .  190 

W.  C.  O.  F.,  St.  Regina  Court  No.  92 .  185 

St.  Mary’s  Social  and  Benevolent  Society  .  188 

The  Knights  of  Columbus,  Elgin  Council .  192 

The  Altar  and  Rosary  Society .  194 

League  of  the  Sacred  Heart . 194 

The  Isabella  Club .  195 

The  Gifford  Club .  196 

St.  Joseph’s  Hospital .  197 

The  Elgin  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane .  200 


GENERAL  IN  DEN — Continued. 


The  Golden  Jubilee—  page 

The  Services  Monday,  October  28,  1901 .  204 

“The  Catholics  of  Tomorrow,”  Sermon  by  Rev.  Thos.  J.  Whalen .  204 

“The  Church,”  Sermon  by  Rev.  Thos.  E.  Cox .  212 

The  Services  Tuesday .  220 

The  Services  Wednesday  Morning,  the  Dedication  of  the  Church .  221 

“My  House  is  a  House  of  Prayer,”  Dedication  Sermon  by  Rev.  E.  L. 

Rivard,  C.  S.  V.,  D.  D .  226 

Jubilee  Committees. . 232 

Committee  on  History  and  Printing . 239,  240 

Parish  Customs .  241 

Index  to  advertisements  last  page  of  book. 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

Most  Rev.  Janies  Edward  Quigley. .  Frontispiece 

Black  Hawk .  23 

Rt.  Rev.  Simon  William  Gabriel  Brute .  24 

Rt.  Rev  James  M.  Maurice  De  St.  Palais.  25 

Rev.  John  Guiguen .  26 

Father  Guiguen's  Log  Cabin..  .  27 

Rt.  Rev.  William  Quarter .  29 

Father  William  Feely .  30 

Rt.  Rev.  J.  O  Van  De  Velde .  31 

Richard  Keogh’s  House .  32 

Old  Cobble-Stone  Church  of  the  Immaculate 

Conception .  33 

St.  Patrick’s  Church,  St.  Charles,  Ill .  33 

Meehan’s  Old  Store .  34 

314  West  Chicago  Street .  .  .  35 

House  of  Patrick  Keating .  36 

Father  James  Gallasher .  37 

Catholic  Cemetery  near  Gilberts,  Ill.,  Site  of 

the  Barrens  Church .  37 

Father  Gallagher's  Home  .  38 

Rt.  Rev.  Anthony  O’Regan .  39 

Father  Michael  Carroll .  40 

Rev.  Andrew  Eustace .  ....  42 

Rt.  Rev.  Janies  Duggan  .  44 

Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons .  .  45 

St.  Mary’s  Church,  Gilberts,  111 .  46 

The  Cobble-Stone  Church  and  Father  Fitz¬ 
simmons’  Residence .  47 

Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  Foley .  48 

Rev.  John  Mackin . 50 

Remodeled  Church  and  the  Parochial 

Residence .  51 

The  Old  St.  Joseph’s  Church  and  Fathers 

Westharp,  Riss  and  Rohde... .  53 

The  New  St.  Joseph’s  Church .  55 

Priests  who  Assisted  Father  Mackin  —  Fathers 
Carroll,  Griffin,  Sullivan,  Turner  and 

Lynde . 57 

The  Old  Church,  December  17,  1899 .  59 

The  Laying  of  the  Corner  Stone  of  St.  Mary's 

Church .  64 

The  First  Child  Christened  and  the  First 

Couple  Married  in  the  New  Church .  66 

St.  Mary's  Church .  67 

Most  Rev.  Patrick  A.  Feelian  and  Rt  Revs. 

A.  J  McGavick  and  P.  J.  Muldoon .  71 

Revs.  John  J.  McCann,  P.  Gildea  and  J.  B. 

Murray . . 73 

Rt.  Rev.  Maurice  F.  Burke  and  Revs.  D.  J. 

Spillard  and  Patrick  Keatin  ' .  75 

Home  of  Keating  Family,  Fayville .  80 

Young  Ladies  of  the  Parish  who  became 

Sisters  of  Charity .  82 

Elgin  in  1835 .  86 

Ruin  of  Old  Home  of  George  Tyler .  87 

Views  Along  Tyler  Creek .  88 

John  Tyler .  89 


PAGE 

Parishioners  who  Came  from — 

1835-1840 .  92 

1840-1845 . 94,  96 

1815-1850  .  98,100,105,107,109 

1850-1855 .  111,113,115,117.119 

1855-1860 .  121,123,125 

John  Spillard  and  Family .  124 

judge  M.  W.  Hogan .  126 

Elgin  in  the  ’50’s  127 

Parishioners  who  Came  in  1860  or  Later. . . .  129 

Joseph  Healy .  130 

Daniel  Burke  and  Family .  131 

Hugh  Murphy .  132 

John  Nolan’s  Farmhouse  and  1  tock  Barn.  133 

A  Few  Homes  of  Parishioners . 134,  136,  139 

Patrick  Daly .  137 

Benefactors  of  Early  Parishioners — James  T. 
Gifford,  Gen.  Elijah  Wilcox,  Wm.  C. 
Kimball,  F.  L.  McClure,  Dr.  Joseph  Tefft, 

Dr.  Edgar  Winchester .  140 

Schoolhouses  of  Early  Days .  142 

Gen.  Wm.  F.  Lynch .  145 

Elgin  in  1866,  Panoromic  View .  153 

Along  Fox  River .  156 

Former  Choir  Members . 159,  160,  161, 163 

Gifford  Park  and  Public  Buildings  of  Elgin.  165 

Girls  of  Communion  Class,  1900 .  167 

St.  Mary’s  Academy .  169 

First  Communion  Class,  1901 .  170 

First  Communion  Class,  May  26,  1902 .  172 

First  Communion  Class,  Sunday,  May  26, 

1902 .  174 


Chief  Rangers,  Elgin  Court  No.  137,  C.  O.  F., 


Chief  Rangers,  St  Joseph’s  Court  No.  235, 

C.  O.  F  ,  Present  and  Past  .  191 

Knights  of  Columbus, Officers  of  Elgin  Council  193 

St.  Joseph's  Hospital  .  198 

Public  Schools  of  Elgin  .  199,  203 

Northern  Illinois  Hospital  for  the  Insane  at 

Elgin .  201 

Rev.  Thomas  J.  Whalen  .  205 

Rev.  Thomas  E.  Cox .  213 

Scenes  During  Last  Day  of  Jubilee  .  222 

Interior  of  St.  Mary’s  Church  During  High 

Mass  After  Dedication . 224 

Rev.  E.  L.  Rivard .  227 

The  Jubilee  Altar  Boys .  232 

The  Jubilee  Choir . 235 

The  Jubilee  Ushers .  235 

The  Jubilee  Decoration  Committee . 237 

The  General  Jubilee  Committee . 238 

Committee  on  History  and  Printing,  Ladies...  239 
Committee  on  History  and  Printing, Gentlemen  240 
Last  Resting  Place  of  Parents  of  St.  Mary’s 

First  Parishioner .  244 

Panoramic  View’  of  Elgin,  1902 .  245 


PREFACE. 


IN  1851  the  corner  stone  of  the  first  Catholic  church  in  Elgin  was 
laid.  To  commemorate  that  event,  the  Golden  Jubilee  Exercises 
of  last  October  were  held.  Among  the  many  committees  appointed 
on  the  occasion  of  the  jubilee,  was  one  called  the  Historical  Committee. 
It  was  composed  of  the  following  members  :  Rev.  John  J.  McCann, 
Thos.  P.  Sheehan,  M.  C.  Tobin,  Daniel  J.  Gahan,  Jr.,  and  the  Misses 
Ella  McOsker,  Maria  Grady,  Mary  Donahue,  Delia  Ryan  and  Helen 
Duhy.  Mr.  Edward  Keogh,  Mr.  Frank  C.  Fedou,  Mrs.  Harry  Dorley 
and  Miss  Edna  Walker  were  later  additions  to  the  committee. 

Mr.  Thos.  P.  Sheehan  was  made  president  and  Miss  Mary 
Donahue,  secretary.  Mr.  Edward  Keogh  was  appointed  to  write  the 
introduction  and  some  of  the  biographical  sketches ;  Mr.  Thos.  P. 
Sheehan,  the  history  of  the  parish  in  general  ;  Mr.  Daniel  Gahan,  the 
biographies  of  the  clergy;  Mr.  Frank  C.  Fedou  and  Miss  Edna  Walker, 
the  Golden  Jubilee  celebration  ;  Mrs.  Harry  Dorley,  the  history  of  the 
choirs  ;  and  Miss  Helen  Duhy,  the  sketch  of  St.  Mary’s  Academy.  The 
other  members  of  the  committee,  though  doing  none  of  the  writing, 
assisted  in  collecting  material. 

The  sketches  of  the  parish  societies  were  written  by  their  respect¬ 
ive  secretaries.  Rev.  P.  Gildea  wrote  “  The  Laying  of  the  Corner 
Stone,”  and  Mr.  W.  J.  McCarthy  wrote  “With  the  Boys  of  ’98.” 

Meetings  of  the  Historical  Committee  were  held  every  week  or  two 
for  several  months.  Old  parishioners  were  called  upon  for  information. 
Newspaper  files,  city  and  county  histories,  and  the  early  parish  records 
were  consulted.  The  result  is  the  present  volume. 

A  few  of  the  men  and  women  who  attended  mass  offered  by  the  first 
priests  in  the  parish,  are  still  living;  and  they  were  consulted  in  the 
preparation  of  this  book.  Some  of  the  members  of  the  Historical  Com 
mittee  were  born  here,  and  have  lived  here  all  their  lives.  The  truth¬ 
fulness  of  the  narrative,  therefore,  cannot  be  called  in  question. 


9 


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Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Only  those  who  have  been  engaged  in  the  same  kind  of  work  can 
fully  appreciate  the  patient  labor  necessary  in  the  preparation  of  this 
volume.  Though  the  work  was  very  tedious,  the  members  of  the  com¬ 
mittee  feel  amply  repaid  for  their  pains.  They  realize  that  it  will  serve 
as  one  of  the  original  sources  of  information  for  the  general  historian ; 
for  it  is  on  works  like  this,  modest  though  they  be,  that  the  general 
historian  must  rely  for  his  data.  It  is  also  their  hope  that  it  may  serve 
as  an  humble  monument  to  the  pioneers  of  Catholicity  in  this  section 
of  Illinois,  and  help  to  confirm  the  present  and  future  generations  of 
Elgin  Catholics  in  the  faith  of  their  forefathers. 


INTRODUCTION. 


From  the  quaint  old  town  of  Vincennes,  in  the  State  of  Indiana, 
came  to  Elgin  and  to  the  Fox  River  country  of  Illinois,  the  first  Catho¬ 
lic  missionaries  of  whose  work  and  labors  we  have  absolute  knowledge. 
Because  of  this  fact  the  following  circumstances  connected  with  it  are 
of  interest  to  the  reader  and  are  therefore  introduced  in  this  prefatory 
statement. 

Vincennes,  itself,  as  late  as  the  period  of  the  coming  to  Elgin  of 
these  missionaries,  was  still  to  a  great  extent  a  frontier  town,  with  a 
population  largely  composed  of  French  Canadians,  interspersed  with 
European  French.  Its  population  had  been  so  composed  from  long 
before  the  revolution,  and  we  find  in  Law’s  History  of  Vincennes  that 
“  It  was  founded  by  Father  Mermot  in  the  year  of  1700.”  In  Park- 
man’s  Discovery  of  the  Northwest,  the  author  says  that  Vincennes  was  at 
first  “An  isolated  French  post,  built  in  the  depths  of  the  gigantic  forests 
of  the  Lower  Wabash,”  and  the  same  author  thus  continues  :  “  Here 
the  French  lived  and  grew  in  an  atmosphere  of  Indian  social  life  until 
the  fires  of  the  revolution,  kindled  afar  off,  came  to  their  doors.” 

And  then  when  the  fires  of  that  mighty  effort  for  human  freedom 
did  come  to  the  doors  of  this  romantic  old  place,  one  appeared  on  the 
scene  in  the  person  of  Father  Pierre  Gibault,  parish  priest  of  Vin¬ 
cennes,  whose  name  ought  to  surely  stand  among  the  proudest  of  the 
immortal  patriots  of  the  revolution.  Father  Gibault  was  a  Jesuit  and  a 
personal  friend  of  General  George  Rogers  Clark,  the  American  com¬ 
mander  in  the  Northwest,  who,  commissioned  by  Patrick  Henry,  boldly 
attacked  the  British  forces  wherever  found  in  the  Northwest  territory 
then  held  for  the  English  sovereign  by  General  Hamilton  and  other  com¬ 
manders,  with  hordes  of  Indian  allies.  Father  Gibault,  being  a 
patriot  as  well  as  a  priest,  actively  entered  into  the  struggle,  and  com¬ 
menced  his  labors  by  recruiting,  at  Kaskaskia,  a  company  of  his  parish¬ 
ioners  for  service  under  General  Clark.  Law’s  History  describes  this 


12 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


stout  patriotic  priest  as  “a  courageous  lover  of  liberty,’’  but  more  than 
this,  he,  according  to  the  same  historian  as  well  as  according  to  Park- 
man,  actually  fed  and  supported  the  American  patriotic  army  under 
Clark,  during  all  its  campaigns  against  the  British  troops  and  defenses 
in  the  Northwest  territory.  He,  together  with  a  compatriot  named 
Vigo,  a  trader  from  St.  Louis,  personally  indorsed  the  continental 
money  with  which  General  Clark  was  alone  supplied  for  the  susten¬ 
ance  of  the  American  troops ;  and  the  historian  quoted  (Parkman) 
says  :  “  At  the  end  of  the  war  and  the  overthrow  of  the  British,  Father 
Gibault  and  Vigo  had  more  than  $20,000  of  the  worthless  scrip  on  their 
hands,”  at  that  time  an  enormous  sum  of  money  ;  and  to  this  the  his¬ 
torian  sorrowfully  adds,  “  it  never  was  redeemed.”  Father  Gibault 
in  his  efforts  for  American  success  by  recruiting  and  feeding  the 
American  army  and  indorsing  continental  money,  as  Law  puts  it, 
“  to  aid  the  American  army  disposed  of  all  his  cattle,  and  even 
of  the  tithes  of  his  parishioners.”  For  this  he  was  thanked  by  a  vote 
of  the  Virginia  Legislature,  and  Parkman  says  that  next  to  General 
Clark,  the  United  States  is  indebted  to  Father  Gibault  for  the  conquest 
from  the  British  of  the  great  territory  forming  now  the  magnificent 
States  of  the  Middle  West,  and  including  Illinois. 

Such  was  the  patriot  priest  in  old  Vincennes  in  the  time  of  the 
revolution  ;  and  as  the  years  went  by,  long  after  the  revolution,  the  old 
customs  yet  prevailed  in  the  old  town  on  the  Lower  Wabash.  The  spirit 
of  adventure  was  yet  strong,  and  the  great  land  of  the  West  was  unin¬ 
habited  by  few  besides  the  red  children  of  the  forest  and  prairie.  Still, 
the  years  went  by,  until  at  last  some  French  priests,  always  paragons 
of  missionary  intrepidity,  living  in  Vincennes,  wistfully  looking  over 
the  great  Western  lands  that  lay  beyond  them,  found  in  1837-8,  that  the 
Northern  Illinois  country  was  receiving  some  settlers.  The  coming  to 
the  Fox  River  country  of  Father  St.  Palais  (afterward  bishop  of  Vin¬ 
cennes)  and  of  Father  Guiguen  was  the  result  or  consequence  of  this 
survey  of  a  yet  wild  land. 

It  is,  and  perhaps  ever  will  be,  doubtful  as  to  whether  or  not  mis¬ 
sionary  priests  had,  before  the  period  referred  to,  visited  the  Fox  or  the 
Rock  River  regions.  We  know  that  they  had  been  in  their  vicinities, 
and  that  the  intrepid  and  saintly  Marquette  whose  love  for,  and  loyalty 
to,  the  great  command,  “  Go  teach  all  nations,”  knew  neither  pause  nor 
fear,  as  his  love  for,  and  loyalty  to,  his  fellow-men,  whether  civilized  or 
savage,  knew  no  bounds,  was  on  the  present  site  of  Chicago  on  his 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


13 


second  trip  to  the  land  of  the  Illinois  in  November,  1674,  and  that 
Catholic  missionaries  among  the  Indians  of  Northern  Illinois,  long  after 
Marquette’s  time,  may  be  indistinctly  traced,  down  to  the  period  of 
their  removal  from  Illinois.  Apropos  of  this  statement,  the  writer 
recollects  that  he  was  told  in  a  conversation  that  he  once  held  with  Rev. 
N.  C.  Clark,  first  pastor  of  the  Elgin  Congregational  Church,  and  a 
gentleman  held  justly  in  the  highest  esteem  in  Pdgin  during  his  life, 
that  in  his  early  career  in  the  Fox  River  Valley,  and  while  traveling 
through  it  as  a  missionary,  he,  on  one  occasion,  near  the  present  site  of 
Naperville,  came  on  a  large  gathering  of  Pottawattamies  in  the  timber, 
who  were  before  a  sort  of  rude  altar  performing  a  ceremony,  the  nature 
of  which  the  reverend  gentleman  did  not  understand.  Inquiring  of  an 
Indian  the  meaning  of  it,  the  Indian  gave  him  to  understand  that 
they  were  praying  for  their  dead  friends  and  relatives,  and  “  it  seemed 
to  me,”  said  the  reverend  gentleman,  “  as  if  the  Indians  held  to  the 
purgatorial  doctrine.”  It  would  seem  from  this,  as  well  as  from  many 
other  circumstances,  that  either  the  pioneer  missionaries  who  visited 
Northern  Illinois  at  a  very  early  day,  or  later  missionaries  preaching 
the  gospel,  had  left  among  the  red  men  lasting  impressions  of  the 
Catholic  faith. 

But  historically  true  it  is,  at  all  events,  that  with  the  abolition  of 
French  ascendancy  in  the  Northwest,  Catholic  missionary  effort  therein 
largely  declined,  if  it  did  not  actually  cease.  That  eloquent  and  truth¬ 
ful  chronicler  of  Catholic  events,  William  J.  Onahan  of  Chicago,  well 
summarizes  the  languishing  condition  of  Catholic  mission  work  among 
the  Indians  of  the  prairies,  after  the  fall  of  the  French  influence  in  the 
Illinois  country,  and  up  to  the  time  of  the  Black  Hawk  War,  thus  : 
“With  the  close  of  the  French  dominion  in  the  Northwest,  effected  by 
the  treaty  of  Utrecht,  the  presence  and  labors  of  the  ‘  black  gown  ’ 
gradually  disappeared  from  the  scene,  though  one  or  more  of  the  zeal¬ 
ous  missionaries  would  from  time  to  time  appear  on  the  forbidden  ter¬ 
ritory,  to  recall  and  renew  among  the  Indian  tribes  the  teachings  of  the 
pioneer  fathers.”  Although,  of  course,  after  the  revolution  there  was 
no  forbidden  territory  in  the  United  States  to  Catholic  missionary  work, 
there  had  been  such  before  that  event,  and  as  a  consequence,  after  the 
triumph  of  the  “  brave  Continentals  in  their  ragged  regimentals,”  the 
work  that  had  been  forbidden  by  force,  by  habit  became  supine.  It  so 
continued  until  the  early  thirties  when  by  emigration  the  new  or  white 
race  took  personal  possession  of  the  Northwest. 


14 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Then  the  struggle  of  the  red  warrior,  his  last  stand  for  the  graves 
of  his  sires  began ;  but  the  heroism  of  Black  Hawk  availed  but 
little  against  the  power  of  his  white  enemies.  Crushed  and  driven 
westward  again,  the  Father  of  Waters  now  parted  the  red  man  from 
his  old  domain,  and  Northern  Illinois  began  to  receive  white  settlers. 
The  diocese  of  Vincennes,  in  which  this  part  of  the  State  of  Illinois 
was  located,  the  old  parent  of  the  Elgin  church,  in  1842  included  the 
great  States  of  Indiana,  Michigan  and  Illinois,  with  a  total  Catholic 
population  of  25,000  persons.  The  Catholic  records  of  Chicago  show 
that  “  up  to  the  year  1835,  the  religious  wants  of  the  Catholic  settlers 
of  Chicago  were  supplied  by  the  occasional  visits  and  ministrations  of 
a  priest  from  Detroit  or  Vincennes.”  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  that 
the  priests  St.  Palais  and  Guiguen  that  visited  Elgin  at,  or  a  short  time 
after,  the  year  indicated  were  from  the  latter  place ;  and  what  a  picture 
of  brave  devotion  to  Christian  duty  is  disclosed  to  us,  as  we  now  look 
back  on  the  journeyings  of  these  solitary  priests  from  the  banks  of  the 
Lower  Wabash  to  the  banks  of  the  Illinois  Fox.  In  their  zeal  they 
dared  all  obstacles,  and  in  their  lonely  quest  after  the  Savior’s  work  we 
behold  again  the  men  with  script  and  staff  walking  through  the  wilder¬ 
ness.  Their  way  lay  through  miles  of  solitude,  and  was  beset  with 
dangers  through  fever-breeding  swamps  and  woods,  tangled  and  almost 
impassable,  across  prairies  scorched  by  a  blazing  sun,  or  locked  in 
the  iron  grasp  of  wintry  desolation.  And,  after  all,  there  were  but  few 
Catholics  in  Elgin  in  those  days  of  that  trying  time,  when  through  such 
scenes  came  to  it  Father  St.  Palais  or  Father  Guiguen.  Yet  they  came, 
and  raised  the  cross  among  the  new  inhabitants. 

At  the  period  mentioned,  European  emigration  to  the  United  States 
was  not  yet  large,  and  the  Catholic  inhabitants  of  Elgin  and  of  the 
country  surrounding  it  were  few  and  scattering.  Many  of  these  people 
had  just  pre-empted  land,  or  bought  it  at  the  land  sale  in  Chicago. 
Life’s  struggle  was  hard  and  it  was  before  them,  but  to  them  the  com¬ 
ing  of  the  Vincennes  priests  was  a  sort  of  ray  of  sunshine.  It  glad¬ 
dened  their  lives  and  made  bright  the  darkness  through  which  they 
toiled. 

And  thus  it  went  on  for  a  time,  but  the  day  of  the  missionary 
priest  was  passing.  The  brothers  James  T.  and  Hezekiah  Gifford 
had  settled  in  Elgin  in  1834-5,  and  their  liberal  inducements  were  as 
early  as  1838-9  bringing  newcomers  to  their  little  settlement.  To 
James  T.  Gifford  the  first  inhabitants  of  Elgin  owe  a  great  debt  of 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


15 


gratitude.  His  land  was  freely  disposed  of  to  all  comers.  He  was  a 
benevolent  man,  and  a  man  who  respected  all  alike,  and  to  him  are  the 
Catholics  of  Elgin  indebted  for  many  favors,  among  them  for  the  site  of 
their  old  church,  his  gracious  and  voluntary  donation. 

In  1844,  the  Rt.  Rev.  William  Quarter  was  appointed  Bishop 
of  Chicago,  its  first  bishop,  and  we  may  add  first  bishop  of  Illinois. 
At  that  time  the  majority  of  the  Elgin  settlers  were  American  emigrants 
from  the  Eastern  States,  with  quite  an  infusion  of  emigrants  from 
Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Indiana,  all  of  them  called  “  Hoosiers.” 
They  principally  settled  in  what  is  still  called  “  Hoosier  Grove,”  in  the 
town  of  Hanover,  Cook  county,  and  among  these,  quite  a  number  of 
the  emigrant  farmers  attending  the  Catholic  services  held  in  Elgin  also 
settled.  However,  soon  after  their  settlement  in  the  location  indicated, 
the  Catholic  settlers  moved  to  the  toiwn  of  Rutland,  west  of  Fox  River 
where  many  of  their  children  still  live.  For  years  the  settlement  at 

Rutland  was  attached  to  St.  Mary’s  parish  at  Elgin,  and  the  period  of 

its  severance  from  the  same  is  told  in  the  subsequent  pages,  as  are  all 
the  territorial  mutations  that  have  occurred  in  St.  Mary’s  parish  since 
its  establishment. 

Bishop  Quarter  took  possession  of  his  new  see  on  May  7,  1844, 
and  while  the  bishop’s  see  included  the  whole  State  of  Illinois,  St. 
Mary’s  parish  was  also  an  ecclesiastical  territory  of  magnificent  distances. 
Down  to  1852,  or  thereabouts,  the  pastor  in  charge  at  St.  Mary’s  had  to 
answer  sick  and  other  calls  from  all  over  Kane  county,  north  of 

Batavia.  From  all  of  DeKalb  county,  from  the  northern  portion  of 

Du  Page  county,  and  from  the  southern  part  of  McHenry  county.  As 
the  country  was  rapidly  settling  at  this  period,  owing  to  the  great  Euro¬ 
pean  emigration  that  set  into  America  during  the  years  1848-9,  demands 
for  the  services  of  the  Elgin  priest  from  the  vast  parish  that  he  minis¬ 
tered  to  were  constant  and  occurring  both  night  and  day.  A  lumber 
wagon  with  a  board  for  a  seat  was  the  mode  of  conveyance  adopted  by 
him  generally,  and  the  roads  that  he  traveled  may  be  described  as 
simply  execrable.  But  when  the  call  for  him  came,  it  was  answered 
night  or  day,  rain  or  shine. 

Among  the  very  early  Catholic  settlers  in  Elgin  or  its  vicinity — and 
in  this  purely  introductory  writing,  allusion  will  only  be  made  to  the 
coming  to  Elgin  and  its  neighborhood  of  the  very  early  settlers,  all 
biographical  notices  of  them  being  extraneous  to  the  subject  matter  of 
an  introduction — were  the  Tyler  family,  after  whom  Tyler  Creek  is 


16 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


named,  consisting  of  George,  Israel  and  Calvin  Tyler  and  their  aged 
parents.  Another  son  was  Catholic  bishop  of  Hartford,  Connecticut. 
The  family  were  converts,  and  were  the  first  purely  American  Catholics 
in  Elgin  or  its  surroundings. 

Up  to  the  years  1850-2  the  Elgin  congregation  used  to  assemble 
every  fourth  Sunday  in  each  month  to  attend  mass  under  any  shelter 
obtainable.  The  reader  will  find  the  places  selected  and  used  for  the 
purpose  indicated,  mentioned  in  the  following  pages.  Indeed,  up  to  the 
period  named,  it  was  an  easy  matter  to  hold  the  congregation,  for  it 
was  but  small  and  easily  accommodated.  The  village  of  Elgin  itself  was 
at  this  time  merely  a  sort  of  way  station  on  the  State  road  from  Chicago 
to  Galena,  traveled  by  the  Frink  and  Walker  line  of  stage  coaches.  In 
truth,  it  was  but  a  pretty  little  settlement  in  a  new  country.  Years  had 
elapsed,  it  is  true,  since  the  coming  to  the  Fox  River  of  the  devoted 
missionary  priests  from  the  Wabash,  and  from  their  advent  to  the 
period  that  we  are  now  writing  of,  religious  services  had  at  what  may  be 
called  irregular  intervals  been  held  in  Elgin,  but  the  attendance  was 
necessarily  small.  Our  great  neighbor  Chicago  itself  was  as  late  as 
1850  but  a  frontier  city  of  scarce  twenty  thousand  people,  without  a 
railway,  who  looked  at  the  advent  of  a  passenger  steamboat  from  Buffalo 
as  an  event  of  mighty  and  of  far-reaching  importance  ;  just  as  the  Elgin 
people  of  that  day  looked  in  rustic  wonder  at  the  advent  of  a  Frink  and 
Walker  stage  coach  to  their  village.  The  Rutland  Catholics,  had 
at  or  about  the  period  here  alluded  to  become  quite  a  numerous 
congregation,  composed  of  located  farmers,  and  they,  it  is  also  true,  were 
attached  to  and  were  territorially  within  the  Elgin  parish,  but  they  had  a 
church  of  their  own,  and  although  attended  and  ministered  to  by  the 
Elgin  pastor,  they  were  in  other  respects  recognized  as  a  separate  con¬ 
gregation.  As  they  seldom  attended  church  in  Elgin,  the  Elgin  congre¬ 
gation  was  but  little  reinforced  on  such  occasions  as  church  services 
by  their  western  neighbors. 

But  a  new  and  a  great  change  was  at  hand,  and  it  came  one  day 
in  the  early  spring  of  1850,  when  the  whistle  of  the  locomotive  sounded 
over  the  hills  of  the  Fox  River  valley  for  the  first  time,  and  little  Elgin, 
now  attached  to  the  outside  world,  became  the  western  terminus  of  rail¬ 
way  travel. 

In  February,  1850,  the  first  train  on  the  old  Galena  and  Chicago 
Union  railway,  now  the  Northwestern  railway,  came  to  Elgin.  That  is 
to  say,  the  first  train  on  the  road  that  reached  this  point.  Soon  after,  the 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  111. 


17 


Frink  and  Walker  line  of  stage  coaches  disappeared  from  the  scene, 
like  an  actor  who  lags  superfluous  on  the  stage,  and  railway  communi¬ 
cation  with  the  outer  world  being  now  well  and  thoroughly  established, 
settlers  began  coming  to  Elgin  in  large  numbers.  From  1850  to  1858, 
settlers  continued  to  come,  and  new  additions  were  constantly  being 
made  to  the  Elgin  Catholic  congregation.  During  the  period  of  the 
railway  building,  too,  the  congregation  was  largely  added  to  on  Sundays 
by  the  very  large  number  of  workmen  employed  in  that  work  ;  and  so  at 
or  about  the  time  that  work  on  the  old  church  began,  the  Catholics  of 
Elgin  had  become  quite  numerous  as  a  resident  population,  apart  from 
the  very  large  number  of  transient  Catholics.  To  the  latter,  however, 
as  is  related  in  the  following  paragraph,  the  successful  erection  of  the 
old  St.  Mary’s  church  is  largely  due  and  ascribable. 

Elgin  remained  the  western  terminus  of  the  Galena  and  Chicago 
Union  railway  for  over  a  year,  and  then  its  management  commenced 
its  extension  to  Rockford.  In  this  work,  as  stated,  a  very  large  number 
of  Catholic  workmen  were  employed  on  the  west  side  of  the  Fox  River. 
The  financial  aid  which  these  men  were  able  to  give  to  the  building  of 
a  church,  an  effort  which  the  circumstances  of  the  Elgin  Catholics 
would  hardly  warrant,  emboldened  the  then  pastor,  Rev.  William 
Feely,  to  make  an  effort  to  erect  the  church  (old  St.  Mary’s)  of  which 
the  corner  stone  had  been  laid  a  very  short  time  before.  During  1852 
and  1853  the  effort  was  made,  and  the  walls  and  roof  of  the  edifice  were 
completed  by  Father  Feely.  During  the  succeeding  pastorate  of 
Rev.  James  Gallagher,  the  interior  of  the  church  was  completed. 
From  the  time  of  its  roofing,  mass  was  said  in  it  on  the  Sundays  that 
were  appointed  for  that  purpose  until  the  opening  of  the  new  St.  Mary’s 
Church.  The  old  church  now  stands  as  a  reminder  of  the  past,  but  to 
Elgin  Catholics  it  has  long  been,  and  while  it  stands  it  will  ever  be,  a 
sacred  spot,  around  which  cluster  the  joys  and  sorrows,  but,  above  all, 
the  holiest  hopes  of  a  long  past. 

Owing  to  the  energy  of  Rev.  Michael  Carroll,  who  succeeded 
Father  Gallagher,  the  present  site  of  the  new  St.  Mary’s  Church  was 
purchased,  and  the  building  standing  upon  it  was  long  occupied  as  a 
parochial  residence.  After  the  death  of  Father  Carroll  the  parish  con¬ 
tinued  to  grow  steadily  but  not  rapidly,  and  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Eustace,  who  succeeded  Father  Carroll,  the  great  civil  war  took 
place.  Then  it  may  with  truth  be  said  that  for  four  years  the  drum  roll 
never  ceased  in  Elgin.  From  1861  to  the  end  of  the  great  struggle, 


18 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


companies  and  even  regimental  organizations  were  being  recruited  in 
Elgin,  and  many  of  these  organizations  won  names  of  historic  glory 
and  deathless  fame.  St.  Mary’s  parish  furnished  to  them  its  full  quota 
of  members  and  the  roll  call  of  our  honored  dead  who  sleeo  in  the 

X 

lovely  cemeteries  of  Elgin  tells,  at  least  to  some  extent,  of  the  spirit  that 
animated  the  people  of  the  parish  during  the  long  and  memorable 
struggle  for  the  Union,  and  for  government  by  the  people,  and  of  and 
for  the  people. 

The  efforts  and  wise  judgment  of  Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons, 
who  succeeded  Father  Eustis  in  the  pastorate  of  the  parish,  caused  the 
introduction  to  Elgin  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  the 
establishment  of  St.  Mary’s  Academy  in  Elgin.  This  institution  has  been 
a  splendid  aid  to  the  cause  of  the  moral  as  well  as  intellectual  instruc¬ 
tion  of  the  youth  of  Elgin  and  its  vicinity  of  both  sexes.  Year  after 
year  since  the  date  of  its  establishment,  it  has  continued  to  send 
forth  classes  of  graduates  that  mark  it  as  an  educational  institution  of  a 
high  grade,  and  one  that  deserves  well  of  the  Catholic  people  ;  indeed 
we  might  with  truth  say  of  all  the  people  of  Elgin. 

The  organization  of  St.  Joseph’s  parish,  a  vigorous  German  off¬ 
shoot  of  St.  Mary’s,  is  related  in  the  succeeding  pages.  The  recent 
purchase  of  a  splendid  site  for  a  new  church  edifice,  to  take  the  place  of 
the  present  church,  by  the  people  of  St.  Joseph’s,  tells  well  of  the 
prosperity  of  the  parish,  and  is  a  splendid  evidence  of  the  earnestness 
of  the  German  Catholics  of  Elgin,  and  of  their  present  worthy  and 
energetic  pastor,  Rev.  Father  Rohde. 

The  rise  and  progress  of  the  Catholic  church  in  Elgin  from  the 
early  day  when  Elgin,  the  then  pretty  little  hamlet  by  the  Fox,  was  but 
little  known,  is  so  intimately  associated  with  the  rise  and  progress  of 
Elgin,  the  now  fine  and  thrifty  city,  that  the  growth  of  the  one  seems 
to  be  the  growth  of  the  other.  Elgin,  the  small  frontier  settlement  of 
not  quite  seventy  years  ago,  has  grown  to  be  world  famous  because  of 
its  mechanical  and  other  products.  At  the  present  time,  owing  to  the 
wondrous  development  of  mechanism,  electricity  and  of  other  scientific 
accessories  to  human  labor,  it  is  impossible  to  set  any  bounds  to 
the  future  growth  of  a  city  like  Elgin,  with  a  name  such  as  it  has 
acquired  for  its  manufactured  products.  The  growth  of  St.  Mary’s 
parish  is  now  truly  marked  and  gratifying.  If  you  ask  for  the  monu¬ 
ments  of  this  progress  and  advancement,  as  was  said  by  the  Roman  of 
old,  “  Look  around  you.”  The  new  St.  Mary’s  Church,  one  of  the 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


19 


handsomest  religious  edifices  in  the  State,  of  which  the  imposing  exte¬ 
rior  was  erected  by  the  efforts  of  the  late  revered  and  lamented  rector, 
Rev.  John  Mackin,  is  now  about  to  be  interiorly  completed  by  the  pres¬ 
ent  energetic  and  devoted  rector,  Rev.  John  J.  McCann.  This  means  that 
when  the  church  is  fully  completed  it  will  be  a  true  model  of  ecclesiasti¬ 
cal  elegance.  The  reverend  rector  is  assisted  in  parish  work  by  Rev. 
Fathers  Gildea  and  Murray,  both  devoted  workers,  and  Elgin,  besides 
its  great  and  central  parish  as  we  may  name  it,  of  which  we  write, 
now  has  its  prosperous  German  parish  of  St.  Joseph,  with  its  fine 
parochial  school,  St.  Mary’s  Academy,  and  last,  but  not  least,  St. 
Joseph’s  new  and  perfectly  conducted  hospital. 

Among  the  early  parishioners  of  the  church  were  many  who 
entered  business  in  Elgin.  Others  there  were  who  attached  themselves 
to  various  pursuits  in  life,  some  professional,  others  agricultural,  etc., 
but  with  very  few  exceptions  these  have  all  passed  away.  Many  of 
their  descendants  are,  however,  engaged  in  business  and  in  the  various 
walks  in  life  here  in  the  city  of  their  birth.  To  all  who  read  the  suc¬ 
ceeding  pages  much  interesting  information  will  be  given  of  those  who 
have  been,  and  of  those  who  are  still,  connected  with  St.  Mary's  parish. 

In  the  soft  and  mellow  days  of  the  fall  of  1901,  in  the  golden  time 
of  the  year,  the  golden  Jubilee  of  St.  Mary’s  was  fittingly  celebrated, 
the  new  church  being  then  dedicated  to  the  service  of  the  Almighty  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Peter  J.  Muldoon,  auxiliary  bishop  to  the  Archbishopof  Chi¬ 
cago.  The  Jubilee  is  fittingly  described  in  the  subsequent  pages.  And 
so,  in  a  golden  light,  full  of  promise  for  the  future,  ended  the  first  half 
century  of  St.  Mary’s  parish. 

All  the  former  pastors  of  the  parish  have  gone  to  their  eternal 
reward.  Rev.  Francis  A.  Lynde,  for  several  years  assistant  pastor  to 
Father  Mackin  and  for  a  time  to  Father  McCann,  died  recently  at 
Boulder,  Colorado,  whither  he  had  gone  to  recruit  sadly  impaired 
health.  All  the  pastors,  from  first  to  last,  it  may  be  said  to  their  credit, 
did  their  work  well,  and  have  left  behind  them  indisputable  evidences 
of  that  fact. 

And  now,  as  we  close  this  introduction  to  the  story  of  the  planting, 
progress,  struggles  and  successes  of  this  Christian  church  so  dear  to 
many  in  Elgin,  we  may  well  take  a  momentary  glance  backward.  The 
retrospect  again  brings  before  us  a  wondrous  scene.  Again  we  see  the 
indomitable  missionaries,  Fathers  St.  Palais  and  Guiguen,  of  the  long 
past,  weary  and  travel-stained,  journeying  with  God’s  message  of  love 


20 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


on  the  yet  hot  trail  of  a  wild  and  conquered  race,  from  the  far  off  banks 
and  forests  of  the  Lower  Wabash,  to  the  still  primeval  wilds  of  the 
Illinois  Fox.  The  desert  land  through  which  the  lonely  soldiers  of  the 
cross  then  took  their  tiresome  way,  is  now  filled  with  a  mighty  popula¬ 
tion.  surrounded  by  a  civilization  beyond  the  wildest  imaginings  of  that 
long  past  time  ;  and  the  solitudes  they  crossed  now  hold  splendid  cities, 
filled  with  people  of  wondrous  energy ;  such  is  the  change  and  such  the 
picture.  But  still  the  two  adventurous  priests,  plodding  westward  on 
their  mission  of  mercy,  seem  inseparable  from  the  picture,  be  it  that  of 
the  past  or  that  of  the  present.  The  wilderness  here  at  the  end  of  that 
journey  to  which  they  came,  has  truly  blossomed  in  the  years  that  have 
gone  ;  the  seed  they  planted  has  borne  an  abundant  harvest ;  their 
work  has  remained  to  this  day,  and  ever  will  remain,  and  to  such  serv¬ 
ants  of  the  Lord  and  to  their  labors  in  the  desert  places  may  truly  be 
applied  the  words  of  the  Prophet  Isaiah,  “  The  wilderness  and  the  soli¬ 
tary  place  shall  be  glad  for  them ,  and  the  dese)i  shall  rejoice  and  blossom 
as  the  rose." 

Edward  Keogh. 


Elgin,  October  i,  1902. 


Priests  ot  St.  Marv  s  Parish  of  Elgin. 


Though  assigned  the  work  of  preparing  a  sketch  of  the  priests 
who  have  administered  to  the  needs  of  the  parishioners  of  Elgin,  it  is 
with  much  reluctance  that  we  attempt  the  task.  First,  we  find  of 
necessity  we  must  trespass  on  the  domain  of  others  of  the  committee — 
a  sketch  of  the  priests  is  synonymous  with  one  of  the  parish,  and 
again,  we  are  forced  to  a  confession  of  consciousness  of  our  inability 
to  provide  even  a  preliminary  historical  sketch  of  our  most  worthy 
subjects  ;  yet  it  is  doubtful  if  any  one  would  be  satisfied,  under  the 
circumstances,  with  the  result  of  his  efforts.  No  records  of  the  parish 
prior  to  1853  are  obtainable.  Those  of  the  diocese  were  destroyed  in 
the  great  Chicago  fire  of  1871 ;  however,  partial  copies  of  the  diaries  of 
Bishops  Quarter  and  Van  de  Velde  remain  which,  together  with  the 
Easter  issue  of  “  The  New  World  ”  for  1900,  a  diary  kept  by  the  late 
Jeremiah  Ryan,  and  a  memorandum  given  by  Mr.  Edward  Keogh, 
afford  data  that  otherwise  would  have  been  lost. 

All  our  former  pastors  and  our  earliest  pioneer  parishioners  have 
been  called  to  their  eternal  home.  The  accounts  received  are  brief; 
some  do  not  correspond  with  those  received  from  other  sources  ;  in 
other  instances  none  at  all  have  been  secured. 

Notwithstanding  the  defects  in  this  record  and  the  errors  it  may 
contain,  owing  to  the  reasons  here  mentioned,  we  present  the  result 
of  our  efforts,  believing  they  are  substantially  correct. 

Before  beginning  a  sketch  of  the  history  of  the  priests  of  Elgin,  we 
trust  our  readers  will  not  deem  it  out  of  place  if  we  revert  briefly  to 
some  of  the  priests  who  as  missionaries  did  zealous,  heroic,  and  effec¬ 
tive  work  in  this  region  prior  to  the  erection  of  the  diocese  of  Chicago, 
and  after  Illinois  was  admitted  to  the  sisterhood  of  States  in  1818. 

This  date  found  the  territory  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Dr.  Benedict  Joseph  Flaget,  Bishop  of  Bardstown  (now  Louisville, 
Kentucky).  Fort  Dearborn  had  been  rebuilt  but  a  short  time  since  its 


99 

hJ  ** 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


destruction,  and  the  massacre  by  the  Indians  in  1812  of  most  of  its 
garrison,  and  settlers  and  their  families  who  sought  its  protection. 
This  fort  was  the  frontier  outpost  of  the  northwest.  Established  there 
was  the  government  agency  for  the  payment  of  the  Indians  for  their 
lands.  Traders  and  settlers  began  to  assemble  about  it  once  more. 
Again  the  Canadian  voyageurs  appeared  at  the  place.  The  majority  of 
these  people,  a  goodly  number  of  the  garrison,  and  many  of  the  friendly 
Indians  were  Catholics  at  this  time. 

Their  venerable  bishop,  ever  solicitous  for  the  spiritual  and 
temporal  welfare  of  his  people,  did  not  neglect  those  at  Fort  Dearborn. 
He  sent  priests  as  often  as  conditions  would  permit  to  visit  them. 
Among  those  from  Bardstown  came  Father  Stephen  Theodore  Badin, 
who  was  the  first  priest  ordained  in  the  United  States.  He  was 
elevated  to  the  priesthood  by  Rt.  Rev.  John  Carroll,  First  Bishop  of 
Baltimore,  May  25,  1793.  Father  Badin  was  probably  the  first  priest 
to  visit  this  section  of  Illinois.  It  is  recorded  that  he  said  mass  at  the 
home  of  Simon  Brady,  near  Kellogg’s  Grove,  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
present  city  of  Freeport,  in  October,  1827,  while  on  his  way  to  Galena. 
In  crossing  the  State  it  is  not  improbable  that  he  passed  through  what 
was  later  the  parish  of  Elgin.  He  afterwards  administered  to  the  wants 
of  the  laborers  during  the  construction  of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan 
canal,  and  to  those  of  the  settlers  in  its  vicinity;  subseqently  he  was 
pastor  at  Bourbonnais  Grove,  near  Kankakee. 

Father  Samuel  Mazzuchelli,  an  Italian  Dominican,  was  a  zealous 
contemporaneous  worker  with  Father  Badin  among  the  miners  at 
Lapointe  (now  Galena)  among  the  sparsely  located  settlers  and  with  the 
traders  and  Indians  in  northern  Illinois,  though  the  former  priest’s 
missions  extended  much  farther  north  and  west.  As  with  the  Jesuit 
and  Franciscan  Fathers  who  immediately  succeeded  Marquette  in  the 
same  field,  the  sufferings  and  sacrifices  of  these  good  priests  in  the 
cause  of  their  Master  and  for  the  eternal  salvation  of  the  souls  of  His 
children  are  known  to  few  but  the  recording  angel. 

After  the  suppression  of  the  Indians  under  Black  Hawk  and  the 
capture  of  that  noted  chief  in  1832,  the  remnant  of  the  once  powerful 
tribes  of  Illinois  withdrew  beyond  the  Mississippi.  Reports  by  return¬ 
ing  soldiers  of  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  the  country,  with  its  abundance 
of  timber,  springs,  and  fresh  flowing  streams,  soon  caused  an  influx  of 
people  from  adjacent  States,  and  of  emigrants  to  seek  homes  among  the 
abandoned  fields  of  the  Pottawattamies. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  111. 


23 


BLACK  HAWK. 

The  Sac  chief,  who  rallied  the  assembled  bands  of  Illinois  Indians  in  their  final,  though 
futile,  effort  to  retain  from  the  encroaching  white  settlers  the  domain  of  their  forefathers. 

“In  1835  the  bill  that  had  been  passed  by  the  State  Legislature 
became  a  law  and  appropriations  were  made  for  the  digging  of  the 
channel  to  be  called  the  Illinois  and  Michigan  canal.  The  contractors 
who  had  this  work  in  hand  sent  circulars  to  the  seaports  of  the  United 
States  and  Canada,  which  were  distributed  among  the  emigrants  who 
were  coming  in  multitudes  to  America.  Thousands  started  westward  to 
find  ready  work,  the  majority  coming  from  Ireland.” 

Two  years  before  this  time  the  Catholics  of  the  future  city  of 
Chicago,  the  greater  part  of  whom  were  French,  petitioned  Rt.  Rev. 
Joseph  Rosati,  first  Bishop  of  St.  Louis,  who  then  had  jurisdiction  over  a 
part  of  Illinois,  for  a  priest.  Father  John  M.  I.  St.  Cyr  was  sent  in 
response  to  their  call  and  became  the  first  pastor  of  Chicago. 

As  a  great  number  of  the  men  who  came  to  work  on  the  canal 
appeared  first  in  Chicago,  Father  St.  Cyr  found  that  he  could  not 


24 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


attend  to  the  pressing  needs  of  his  flock.  He  wrote  to  his  bishop  for 
more  priests  ;  his  letter  was  referred  to  Rt.  Rev.  Simon  William  Gabriel 
Brute,  Bishop  of  Vincennes,  whose  recently  formed  diocese  extended 
westward  in  Illinois  to  a  north  and  south  line  which  crossed  the  stream 
at  “  the  great  whirlpools  of  the  Illinois  river,  which  are  about  8,000  paces 
above  the  city  of  Ottawa.” 


RT.  REV. SIMON  WILLIAM  GABRIEL  BRUTE. 
First  Bishop  of  Vincennes. 


Bishop  Brute  immediately  sent  Father  Schaefer  to  Chicago,  and 
later  on  with  other  priests,  the  zealous  Fathers  John  Guiguen  and  James 
M.  Maurice  De  St.  Palais  (the  latter  was  afterwards  pastor  of  Chicago 
and  later  Bishop  of  Vincennes),  to  help  Father  St.  Cyr  in  his  mission. 

From  reports  of  old  Catholic  settlers  Father  De  St.  Palais  was, 
without  doubt,  the  first  priest  to  visit  and  say  mass  in  Elgin.  This  is 
thought  to  have  been  prior  to  1840. 

In  1842  Father  John  Guiguen,  who  had  been  for  about  a  year 
assisting  Father  Dupontavice  at  Joliet,  moved  to  Meehan’s  settlement, 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III 


2  5 


in  Shields  township,  Lake  county  (near  the  present  town  of  Lake 
Forest).  “  His  dwelling  there  was  a  log  hut  that  stood  near  the  Liberty- 
ville  road.  From  this  station,  on  horseback,  about  once  in  four  months, 


RT.  REV.  JAMES  M.  MAURICE  DE  ST.  PALAIS. 

Father  Guiguen  would  make  a  tour  of  the  missions  under  his  charge, 
going  as  far  westward  as  New  Dublin  and  sometimes  Galena,  then 
south  and  east  to  Joliet,  then  north  by  way  of  Chicago  to  his  home  in 
the  bush.  He  would  visit  Catholic  settlers  wherever  he  could  find 


26 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


them,  baptize  the  children,  say  mass,  and  speak  words  of  encourage¬ 
ment  to  the  people  in  the  wilderness.” 

Under  his  guidance  the  Catholics  of  Rutland  township  and  vicinity, 
on  land  now  the  site  of  the  old  Catholic  cemetery,  given  by  the  late 
Edward  Keating,  in  1843  began  the  erection  of  the  first  Catholic  church, 
known  as  the  “  Barrens  Church,”  in  what  was  later  the  parish  of  Elgin 


REV.  JOHN  GUIGUEN. 


and  in  Kane  county.  The  timber  used  in  the  construction  of  its  frame 
grew  on  the  ground  and  it  was  prepared  at  Tyler’s  mill,  which  was 
located  on  Tyler  creek,  about  forty  rods  below  where  the  Chicago,  Mil¬ 
waukee  and  St.  Paul  railroad  now  crosses  it,  but  little  more  than  a  mile 
northwest  of  Elgin.  The  Stephens  brothers,  who  owned  land  southeast 
of  the  church  site,  were  the  builders.  A  permanent  floor  was  not  laid 
in  it  until  the  winter  of  1845-46,  and  the  building  was  never  completed. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin ,  III. 
BIOGRAPHY  OF  THE  REV.  JOHN  GUIGUEN. 


27 


The  Rev.  John  Guiguen  was  born  in  Brittany,  France,  near 
Gourin,  a  town  in  the  department  of  Morbihan,  January,  12,  1814;  he 
was  educated  at  the  preparatory  seminary  at  Plouguerneval,  after  which 
he  entered  the  grand  seminary  at  St.  Brieux,  in  the  diocese  of  that  name, 
wherein  he  studied  theology  as  a  preparation  for  the  priesthood  and 
received  minor  orders  before  coming  to  the  United  States.  In  October, 
1839,  he  arrived  at  Vincennes,  where  he  completed  his  theological 
course,  and  was  ordained  by  Bishop  De  la  Hellandiere,  August  16,  1840. 


FATHER  GUIGUEN’S  LOG  CABIN. 

He  was  sent  to  Joliet,  Illinois,  where  he  remained  about  a  year,  and 
then  removed  to  Little  Fort  (Waukegan)  or  near  it,  in  Lake  county ;  at 
the  same  time  he  had  charge  of  the  missions  in  McHenry,  Kane  and 
DeKalb  counties,  which  were  then  parts  of  the  diocese  of  Vincennes. 
When  the  diocese  of  Chicago  was  erected  in  1844,  Illinois  was  severed 
from  the  jurisdiction  of  Vincennes,  and  Father  Guiguen  was  recalled  by 
his  bishop  to  the  latter  diocese,  where  he  served  creditably  in  the  capa¬ 
city  of  pastor  in  many  places,  as  director  of  the  diocesan  seminary  for 
several  years,  and  finally  as  chaplain  of  the  Sisterhood  of  St.  Mary’s  of 
the  Woods,  at  the  mother  house  of  the  Sisters  of  Providence,  at  St. 


28 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Mary’s,  Vigo  county,  Indiana,  where  he  died  December  17,  1893.  His 
remains  rest  in  the  cemetery  of  the  community  beside  those  of  his  pred¬ 
ecessors. 

THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  FIRST  PASTOR  AND 
ESTABLISHMENT  OF  THE  PARISH. 

In  May,  1844,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Quarter,  the  first  bishop  of  Chi¬ 
cago,  came  to  assume  charge  of  his  lately  formed  diocese.  Soon  after¬ 
wards  the  priests  sent  to  the  Illinois  mission  from  Vincennes  were 
recalled  by  their  bishop.  This  was  an  unexpected  difficulty  which 
beset  Bishop  Quarter’s  path,  but  he  met  it  resolutely.  He  set  about 
founding  a  college  which  was  the  germ  of  the  future  University  of  St. 
Mary’s  of  the  Lake.  He  opened  it  June  3rd,  less  than  a  month  after 
his  arrival. 

When  the  bishop  came  to  Chicago  he  found  two  young  men  study¬ 
ing  for  the  priesthood  under  the  direction  of  Father  De  St.  Palais, 
Mr.  Patrick  McMahon  and  Mr.  Bernard  McGorisk.  Other  semin¬ 
arians  and  priests  came  from  many  places  in  response  to  his  call. 
On  November  21,  1844,  Mr.  John  Faughnan,  a  young  Irishman  hail¬ 
ing  from  New  York,  presented  himself  to  Bishop  Quarter  as  a 
candidate  for  the  priesthood.  So  worthy  and  capable  did  the  bishop 
find  him  that  he  was  made  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  college.  He  was 
ordained  December  3,  1844,  and  sent  to  assist  Father  Patrick  McMahon 
at  Donnelly  settlement.  In  January,  1845,  Father  Faughnan  was 
appointed  the  first  pastor  of  Elgin  and  left  Chicago  on  the  21st  of  that 
month  for  his  new  field  and  to  establish  the  parish. 

The  young,  devoted  priest  lived  at  the  homes  of  his  parishioners  in 
his  different  missions,  but  as  much  as  possible  with  those  near  the 
“Barrens”  Church,  his  only  edifice  or  worship.  He  said  mass  in  the 
adjoining  villages  from  time  to  time,  and  at  such  other  places  as  best 
suited  the  convenience  of  his  people.  His  flock,  in  the  main,  were 
very  poor,  struggling  in  a  wild  place  to  build  homes  and  for  a  foothold 
in  life.  Their  good  pastor  cheerfully  shared  their  poverty,  and,  also, 
often  his  own  raiment  with  those  whom  he  believed  in  need  of  it  more 
than  himself. 

While  attending  his  priestly  duties  in  his  mission,  Father  Faughnan 
contracted  a  severe  cold,  which  developed  into  consumption  and  obliged 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


29 


him  to  retire  to  Chicago,  where  he  died,  universally  mourned,  on 
September  27,  1845,  at  the  bishop’s  house,  at  the  corner  of  Michigan 
avenue  and  Madison  street.  His  funeral  was  the  largest  ever  seen  in 
Chicago  up  to  that  date. 


RT.  REV.  WILLIAM  QUARTER. 

First  Bishop  of  Chicago. 

Father  P.  J.  Scanlan  immediately  followed  Father  Faughnan  as  the 
next  pastor  of  the  parish.  He  was  succeeded  in  1847  by  Father  Andrew 
Doyle.  While  in  the  parish  Father  Doyle  made  his  home  in  Elgin.  It 


30 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


was  located  where  is  now  the  northeast  corner  of  South  State  and 
Locust  streets.  His  time  in  the  parish,  like  that  of  his  predecessors, 
was  brief.  Father  Doyle  died  in  Chicago  some  years  after  leaving 
Elgin,  but  the  date  is  unknown  to  the  writer.  The  death  of  Father  P. 
J.  Scanlan  also  took  place  in  Chicago  on  December  28,  1848.  The 
remains  of  Fathers  Faughnan,  Scanlan  and  Doyle  were  interred  in  the 
old  cemetery,  situated  where  is  now  the  archepiscopal  residence,  but 
after  the  Chicago  fire  were  removed  to  Calvary  Cemetery. 


FATHER  WILLIAM  FEELY. 

FATHER  WILLIAM  FEELY,  THE  FOURTH  PASTOR. 

The  fourth  pastor  of  the  parish  was  the  Rev.  William  Feely,  who 
came  in  the  spring  of  1848.  During  the  years  of  Father  Feely’s  pastor¬ 
ate  the  Elgin  parish  included,  besides  the  village  of  Elgin,  Dundee, 
Huntley,  Turner  Junction,  St.  Charles,  Geneva,  Blackberry,  Sycamore 
and  “  The  Barrens  ”  (near  the  present  station  of  Gilberts).  Mass  was 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


31 


said  on  every  fourth  Sunday  at  Elgin,  “The  Barrens,”  St.  Charles  ana 
Blackberry,  and  on  occasional  week  days  in  the  other  places  named. 

On  Trinity  Sunday,  May  26,  1850,  Bishop  Van  de  Velde  was  in 
Elgin.  Mass  was  said  in  Mr.  Richard  Keogh’s  house  ;  later  in  the  day 


RT.  REV.  J.  O.  VAN  DE  VELDE. 

Second  Bishop  of  Chicago. 

the  bishop  administered  confirmation  in  the  old,  unplastered  frame 
church  at  “  The  Barrens.”  This  was  the  first  visit  of  a  bishop  to  the 
parish  for  this  purpose.  Thirty-nine  males  and  forty  females  received 
the  sacrament  of  confirmation. 


32 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Father  Feely  was  a  man  possessed  of  great  energy,  educated  and 
resourceful.  He  labored  hard  and  incessantly  for  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  his  people  and  for  the  betterment  of  their  temporal  conditions.  He 
exerted  himself  to  the  utmost  in  the  collection  of  funds  to  build  a  church 
in  Elgin.  The  bulk  of  the  contributions  came  from  laborers  then  at 
work  on  the  railroad  which  was  in  course  of  construction  through  Elgin, 
and  from  young  men  and  women  employed  about  the  town  and  on 
farms  in  the  neighborhood. 


RICHARD  KEOGH’S  HOME. 


On  a  lot  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Gifford  and  Fulton  streets 
(obtained  gratis  some  time  previous  of  James  T.  Gifford,  the  founder  of 
Elgin),  in  the  spring  of  1851,  Father  Feely  began  the  erection  of  the 
cobble-stone  church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  the  corner  stone 
of  which  was  laid  on  Holy  Thursday,  April  17th,  of  that  year.  The 
mason  work  was  done  by  Patrick  Hennessy  and  his  brother  William, 
who  gave  much  of  their  labor  as  an  offering  for  their  part  of  the  good 
work.  The  carpentering  was  done  under  the  supervision  of  the  late 
John  Kelley  of  Pingree  Station. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  111. 


33 


THE  OLD  COBBLE-STONE  CHURCH  OF  THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION. 


ST.  PATRICK’S  CHURCH,  ST.  CHARLES. 


34 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


During  the  time  the  Elgin  church  was  in  course  of  construction, 
Father  Feely  began  the  erection  of  the  stone  church  still  in  use  at  St. 
Charles,  and  one  of  frame  in  Blackberry.  He  finished  only  the  exterior 
of  these  churches.  St.  Charles  and  that  part  of  the  parish  then  south 
and  west  of  it  was  divided  from  Elgin  parish  in  1853,  and  mass  was 
subsequently  said  at  Elgin  and  “  The  Barrens  ”  church  on  alternate 
Sundays,  and  at  other  times  among  the  parishioners  as  usual. 


MEEHAN’S  STORE. 


It  may  be  of  interest  to  the  parishioners  of  today  to  state  that 
during  Father  Feely’s  pastorate,  mass  was  said  at  the  house  of  “Long” 
John  Murphy,  which  yet  stands  near  the  southeast  corner  of  Dundee 
and  North  streets,  and  at  the  house  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Center 
and  Milwaukee  streets,  which  was  built  and  then  owned  by  Mr.  E. 
Barrett ;  also  at  the  store  building  yet  in  use  at  the  northeast  corner  of 
Douglas  and  Dexter  avenues,  which  was  built  and  owned  at  the  time 
by  the  late  Mr.  John  Meehan,  and  on  the  west  side  in  a  portion  of  the 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin ,  ///. 


35 


building  now  at  314  West  Chicago  street,  which  at  the  time  was  used 
for  school  purposes,  the  teacher  being  the  late  J.  B.  Newcomb. 

On  June  5,  1853,  the  third  Sunday  after  Pentecost,  Bishop  J.  O 
Van  de  Velde  said  high  mass  and  gave  confirmation  to  fifty-six  persons 
in  Elgin,  who  were  the  first  to  receive  the  sacrament  in  this  city.  The 
next  day  the  bishop  visited  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Patrick  Keating  at  Fay- 
ville.  Late  in  the  summer  of  this  year  Father  Feely  was  transferred  to 


314  WEST  CHICAGO  STREET. 


Mt.  Sterling  and  Beardstown,  Brown  county,  Ill.,  where  he  remained  for 
some  time,  and  afterwards  to  St.  Patrick’s  Church,  Chicago,  where  he 
served  as  an  assistant  to  Father  P.  J.  McLaughlin,  during  the  visita¬ 
tion  of  the  Asiatic  cholera  and  for  some  time  later,  when  he  resigned 
and  came  to  E'lgin  to  reside. 

BIOGRAPHY  OF  FATHER  FEELY. 

Father  Feely  was  born  in  County  Galway,  Ireland,  and  finished 
his  studies  for  the  priesthood  in  St.  Isidore’s  College  in  Rome,  Italy, 
and  was  there  ordained.  While  in  Rome  he  mastered  the  Italian  and 
French  languages.  The  first  record  of  his  appearance  in  America 
seems  to  be  at  Peoria,  Ill.,  where  he  was  pastor  of  St.  Mary’s  Church 
between  1846  and  1848. 


36 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Father  Feely  died  at  Elgin  in  1864,  aged  about  sixty  years.  His 
remains  rest  with  those  of  his  relatives,  the  Keogh  family,  in  the  lot  of 
the  latter  in  Elgin  Cemetery. 


HOME  OF  PATRICK  KEATIXG 


FATHER  JAMES  GALLAGHER,  ELGIN’S  FIFTH  PASTOR. 

The  next  pastor  to  assume  charge  of  the  parish  of  Elgin  was  Father 
James  Gallagher. 

Father  Gallagher  was  born  in  the  parish  of  Kilgort,  St.  Johnston, 
County  Donegal,  Ireland.  In  his  youth  he  came  to  America  and  rela¬ 
tives  think  he  began  his  ecclesiastical  studies  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.  He 
came  to  Chicago  in  1845  ar>d  entered  the  University  of  St.  Mary’s  of 
the  Lake.  He  was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  by  Bishop  Quarter, 
September  19,  1846,  and  the  next  year  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate 
of  Mt.  Sterling,  Brown  county,  with  dependent  missions  at  Versailles, 
Beardstown  and  Pittsfield,  Pike  county. 

The  baptismal  record  kept  by  Father  Gallagher  indicates  that  he 
was  appointed  to  the  parish  of  Elgin  in  November,  1853.  His  first 
work  here  was  to  endeavor  to  complete  the  unfinished  church,  which  he 
succeeded  in  doing  about  1855.  Joseph  Hutchison,  then  one  of  the 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III 


3 


i 


FATHER  JAMES  GALLAGHER. 


THE  FOREGROUND  IN  THE  CATHOLIC  CEMETERY  NEAR  GILBERT’S 
IS  THE  SITE  OF  THE  OLD  “BARRENS  CHURCH.” 


38 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


young  men  of  the  parish,  did  much  of  the  plastering.  The  church  was 
dedicated  August  26th  of  that  year.  During  the  same  year,  also,  Father 
Gallagher  built  a  large  frame  church  at  Gilbert’s  Station,  on  land  given 
by  the  late  Daniel  Pingree,  about  a  mile  west  cf  the  old  “  Barrens 
Church  the  latter  was  then  abandoned  and  moved  awav. 

4 


THE  SECOND  HOUSE  IN  THE  FOREGROUND  FROM  THE  RIGHT 
WAS  FATHER  GALLAGHER’S  HOME. 

Father  Gallagher’s  home  in  Elgin  stood  on  a  lot  where  is  now  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  freight  depot,  or  near  it. 

While  boating  on  Fox  River  for  pleasure  with  his  friend  Father 
Herbert,  who  was  with  him  for  a  visit,  Father  Gallagher  was  drowned 
near  the  dam  on  June  13,  1858.  His  remains  were  buried  beneath  his 
church,  near  the  altar. 

FATHER  MICHAEL  CARROLL,  THE  SIXTH  PASTOR. 

Father  Michael  Carroll  was  the  next  to  succeed  in  charge  of  the 
parish  of  Elgin.  He  said  his  first  mass  here  on  June  27,  1858.  Dur¬ 
ing  Father  Carroll’s  pastorate,  the  property  on  which  St.  Mary’s  Church 
now  stands  was  secured  and  the  building  that  stood  on  it  served  as  a 
parochial  residence  for  many  years. 

Father  Carroll  did  not  live  long  to  enjoy  his  new  parish.  He  died 
on  December  29,  i860.  His  remains,  like  those  of  his  predecessor, 
were  interred  beneath  the  church. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


39 


The  Rev.  Michael  Carroll  was  born  in  Effin,  County  Limerick, 
Ireland.  No  record  of  his  early  career  has  been  obtained.  He  was  a 
pastor  in  Illinois  before  the  diocese  of  Chicago  was  erected,  having 


RT.  REV.  ANTHONY  O’REGAN. 
Third  Bishop  of  Chicago. 


succeeded  the  Rev.  George  A.  Hamilton,  first  pastor  of  the  parish  of 
Alton,  in  1841.  While  pastor  of  that  parish  the  following  missions 
depended  on  his  visitations  :  Brussels  and  Michael,  Calhoun  county ; 


40 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Carroll  Settlement,  or  Ridgeley,  near  Bunker  Hill,  Macoupin  county  ; 
Monks  Mound  and  Edwardsville,  Jersey  county,  and  Liberty,  Adams 
county. 

Though  mass  was  said  in  a  temporary  structure  when  Father  Car- 
roll  went  to  Alton,  the  first  real  church  in  that  parish,  St.  Mathew’s,  was 
built  by  him  in  1845.  There,  in  the  following  year,  a  successful  mis¬ 
sion  was  given  by  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Wenninger,  S.  J. 

On  November  10,  1847,  a  Theological  Conference  of  the  southern 
part  of  the  diocese  of  Chicago  was  held  at  Alton,  and  was  presided  over 
by  Father  Carroll. 


FATHER  MICHAEL  CARROLL. 

In  February,  1849,  the  Rt.  Rev.  J.  O.  Van  de  Velde,  the  newly 
consecrated  bishop  of  Chicago,  began  the  first  visitation  of  his  diocese 
by  administering  confirmation  in  this  parish. 

St.  Mathew’s  Church  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1851.  Father  Car- 
roll  and  some  prominent  members  of  his  parish  then  proposed  a  change 
of  site  ;  in  this  they  were  supported  by  their  bishop,  who  authorized  the 
erection  of  a  new  church,  the  present  Cathedral.  Divine  service  was 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


41 


first  held  in  the  new  church  in  1846,  Father  Carroll  officiating,  though 
but  the  exterior  of  the  edifice  was  completed. 

In  1857,  when  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  D.D.,  the  first 
bishop  of  Alton,  left  Dayton,  Ohio,  for  his  new  field,  Father  Carroll 
resigned  and  returned  to  his  bishop  in  Chicago ;  afterwards  he  made  a 
visit  to  Ireland  and  the  continent,  and  on  his  return  to  Chicago  he  was 
appointed  to  the  pastorate  of  Elgin. 

THE  SEVENTH  PASTOR,  THE  REV.  ANDREW  EUSTACE. 

On  May  26,  1861,  by  the  appointment  of  Bishop  Duggan,  the  Rev. 
Andrew  Eustace  came  to  Elgin  to  assume  charge  of  the  parish  as  its 
pastor. 

If  no  temporal  structures  today  remain  in  Elgin  as  a  testimonial  of 
his  work  in  the  parish,  it  is  no  evidence  that  he  did  not  labor  diligently 
here  for  his  people.  Almost  simultaneous  with  his  coming  to  the  place, 
the  clarion  note  of  war  reverberated  o’er  the  land,  calling  the  sons  of 
the  North  to  the  defense  of  their  country.  It  is  unnecessary  here  to 
state  that  since  the  date  of  the  celebrated  “tea  party”  in  Boston  harbor 
to  the  present  time,  the  sons  of  the  Catholic  church  give  place  to  none 
for  patriotism  or  valor.  In  the  fraternal  strife  of  the  Civil  War  this 
parish  sent  more  than  its  quota,  from  commander  to  private,  to  loyally 
support  the  flag  of  the  Union. 

When  the  shadow  of  war’s  grim  specter  hovers  over  any  people* 
the  fathers  and  sons  at  the  front,  heroes  though  they  be,  do  not  meet 
all  the  trials  and  sacrifices  incident  to  such  conditions.  At  the  homes 
they  leave,  from  where  the  heart’s  hopes  and  prayers  of  mothers,  wives 
and  children  follow  their  loved  ones  on  the  march  through  swamp  and 
over  hill,  plain  and  mountain,  those  who  need  the  support  and  pro¬ 
tection  of  strong  arms  meet  with  equal  fortitude  and  courage  the  priva¬ 
tions  that  ensue.  Thus  it  was  in  Elgin  ;  yet,  as  reports  of  the  frightful 
carnage  of  this  fratricidal  conflict  came  from  the  South,  the  hearts  of  the 
bravest  sank.  The  majority  of  the  people  of  the  parish  were  yet  poor. 
With  patriotism  excited  after  listening  to  a  war  speech,  often  the  head  of 
a  large  family  of  children,  who  depended  on  his  earnings  for  support, 
enlisted  and  went  away,  trusting  to  God  to  care  for  those  he  left  behind. 

These  women  and  children  did  not  look  in  vain  to  Father  Eustace 
for  consolation  or  aid,  and  many  were  the  demands  made  on  his  gen¬ 
erosity;  a  kinder-hearted  man  never  lived,  and  when  the  sad  tidings  of 


42 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


sickness  in  the  camps  and  hospitals  of  the  South,  resulting  from  mias¬ 
matic  fevers  and  privations  on  the  march,  or  the  dread  news  of  the 
death  of  a  father,  son  or  brother  came,  Father  Eustace  was  found  at  the 
side  of  the  despairing  to  give  hope  with  words  of  encouragement  and 
support. 

During  these  trying  times  the  good  pastor  did  not  neglect  the 
spiritual  needs  of  his  flock.  In  October,  1863  he  secured,  for  the  first 


REV.  ANDREW  EUSTACE. 


mission  ever  given  in  the  parish,  the  services  of  the  Redemptorist 
Fathers  Giesen  and  Bradley.  The  mission  was  very  successful,  great 
crowds  of  people  were  in  attendance,  many  of  whom  were  non-Catholics. 
The  mission  in  Elgin  terminated  on  the  18th  of  the  before-mentioned 
month.  As  a  memorial  of  the  mission  a  large  wooden  cross  was  placed 
on  the  wall  near  the  gospel  side  of  the  altar,  where  it  remained  until  the 
old  church  was  remodeled  years  afterwards.  After  finishing  in  Elgin 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


43 


the  good  missionaries,  with  the  pastor,  went  to  Gilbert’s  to  give  the 
people  in  that  part  of  the  parish  the  benefits  of  a  mission  also. 

While  in  Elgin  Father  Eustace  labored  earnestly  for  the  welfare  of 
the  church  of  which  he  was  a  worthy  priest.  In  1868  he  was  assigned 
by  his  superior  to  the  parish  of  Lockport,  Illinois.  On  the  5th  day  of 
March  of  that  year  Father  Eustace  bade  adieu  to  his  congregation,  and 
soon  afterwards  departed  for  his  new  field,  taking  with  him  the  best 
wishes  of  the  people  of  Elgin. 

BIOGRAPHY  OF  FATHER  EUSTACE. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Eustace  was  born  in  the  city  of  Dublin,  Ireland, 
where  he  attended  school  until  his  fourteenth  year,  and  then  entered 
the  Seminary  of  Castleknock,  in  the  same  county,  where  he  remained 
two  years,  preparatory  to  entering  Maynooth  College,  and  then  passed 
examinations — the  youngest  in  his  class.  He  remained  in  Maynooth 
several  years,  until  the  death  of  his  parents,  that  of  both  occurring  in 
the  same  month.  In  the  early  50’s  he  came  to  his  relative,  the  late 
Archbishop  Kenrick  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  In  October,  1854,  he 
entered  the  famous  Carondolet  Seminary,  then  under  the  presidency  of  his 
old  friend,  Father  Feehan,  late  our  most  reverend  archbishop.  In  the 
spring  of  1857  he  became  affiliated  with  the  diocese  of  Chicago  and  on 
the  13th  of  August  following  he  was  ordained  in  St.  Mary’s  Cathedral 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Anthony  O’Regan,  then  bishop  of  this  diocese. 

After  exercising  the  ministry  in  Chicago  for  a  short  time  Father 
Eustace  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate  of  McHenry,  McHenry  county, 
with  its  out-missions,  and  while  in  that  parish  he  made  his  home  at 
Richmond,  where  he  built  “a  fine  little  church.”  He  built  also  a  par¬ 
ochial  residence  in  McHenry,  but  was  assigned  to  the  parish  of  Elgin 
before  its  completion.  After  leaving  Elgin  Father  Eustace  had  charge 
of  the  parish  of  Lockport  and  its  missions.  At  Lockport  he  enlarged 
the  parochial  residence.  About  1871  he  was  invited  by  his  cousin,  Arch¬ 
bishop  Kenrick  of  St.  Louis,  to  his  diocese  and  was  made  pastor  of  the 
important  parish  of  St.  Michael’s  in  that  city.  There,  for  nearly  twenty- 
one  years,  Father  Eustace  administered  to  the  wants  of  his  people  and 
made  many  improvements,  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  parish. 

In  1891  Father  Eustace  suffered  a  severe  attack  of  the  grippe, 
which  was  followed  by  other  ailments,  necessitating  his  resignation  as 
pastor  of  St.  Michael’s.  On  the  30th  day  of  July,  1892,  he  was  taken 


44 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


to  the  Mullamphy  hospital  in  what  was  thought  to  be  a  dying  condition, 
but  his  splendid  constitution  enabled  him  to  survive  almost  eight 
months  longer.  He  died  on  Tuesday,  March  21,  1893,  just  within  a 


RT.  REV.  JAMES  DUGGAN. 
Fourth  Bishop  of  Chicago. 


week  of  the  60th  anniversary  of  his  birth.  He  was  attended  in  his  last 
moments  by  Father  Granville,  chaplain  of  the  hospital. 

Father  Eustace  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  pos¬ 
sessed  of  more  than  ordinary  information,  was  charitable  to  the  poor,  a 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


45 


sincere  friend  and  a  faithful  worker  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  His 
remains  repose  in  the  priests’  circle  in  the  beautiful  Calvary  Cemetery 
at  St.  Louis,  near  those  of  his  cousin  and  godfather,  Archbishop 
Kenrick.  May  he  rest  in  peace. 

THE  REV.  TERRENCE  FITZSIMMONS, 

THE  EIGHTH  PASTOR. 

At  the  solicitation  of  the  Very  Rev.  Dr.  Dunn,  the  vicar  general 
of  the  diocese,  the  Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons  withdrew  from  the 


REV.  TERRENCE  FITZSIMMONS. 


pastorate  of  Hartland  and  assumed  charge  of  the  parish  of  Elgin. 
He  appeared  here  for  duty  on  the  8th  day  of  March,  1868. 

Father  Fitzsimmons  came  to  his  new  field  with  a  mind  replete  with 
knowledge,  with  many  years’  experience  in  the  ministry,  and  with  a 
determination  to  do  all  in  his  power  for  the  improvement  of  his  parish. 
Like  Father  Eustace,  he  was  a  man  possessed  of  large  physical  propor- 


46 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


tions  and  a  genial,  hospitable  disposition.  He  readily  formed  new 
acquaintances,  whose  respect  he  afterwards  retained.  Among  the 
young  people,  especially  those  employed  in  the  watch  factory  in  Elgin, 
he  became  very  popular,  many  of  whom  were  parishioners  or  acquaint¬ 
ances  years  before  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  Mass. 

Father  Fitzsimmons  was  an  earnest  advocate  of  the  doctrine  of 
Father  Matthew,  Ireland’s  great  apostle  of  total  abstinence.  In  the 
fall  of  1872  an  organization  known  as  “The  Young  Men’s  Catholic 
Temperance  and  Benevolent  Association  ”  was  founded,  which  soon 


ST.  MARY’S  CHURCH,  GILBERTS. 

included  among  its  members  nearly  all  the  young  men  of  the  parish. 
A  little  later  a  similar  organization  was  formed  by  the  older  men  of  the 
congregation.  During  the  existence  of  these  organizations,  which  was 
many  years,  they  had  the  respect  and  support  of  the  community  at 
large.  Frequent  entertainments  under  their  auspices  were  given,  which 
were  enjoyed  and  were  usually  attended  by  the  members  and  their 
friends  in  large  numbers.  To  this  day  the  good  results  of  adherence  to 
the  principles  of  these  associations  are  noticeable  in  the  parish.  The 
good  priest  also  formed  other  sodalities  and  societies  among  the  young 
people,  all  of  which  were  to  him  a  source  of  pride  and  satisfaction. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  111. 


47 


For  some  years  after  Father  Fitzsimmons  came  here,  he  said  the 
last  mass  at  Gilbert’s  station  on  alternate  Sundays.  On  these  days,  as 
did  his  predecessors,  he  gave  the  people  of  Elgin  the  benefit  of  an  early 
mass  before  he  took  his  long  trip,  winter  and  summer,  to  and  from  the 
mission  church.  This  ride  was  usually  taken  behind  a  pair  of  good 
horses  of  his  own.  It  afforded  him  much  pleasure  to  possess  fine-bred, 


TIIE  COBBLE-STONE  CHURCH  AND  FATHER  FITZSIMMONS’  RESIDENCE. 


speedy  animals,  of  which  he  was  a  judge.  An  occasional  drive 
behind  these  was  his  only  indulgence  and  recreation. 

In  1872  the  parish  was  again  divided  and  Gilbert’s  Station  attached 
to  the  newly-formed  parish  of  Huntley.  After  this  occurrence  the 
pastor  of  Elgin  was  enabled  to  devote  to  the  people  of  the  town  and  its 
immediate  vicinity  his  sole  attention. 

Realizing  the  necessity  of  early  religious  training  for  the  children 
of  the  parish,  in  unison  with  other  educational  development,  Father 
Fitzsimmons,  in  1874,  broke  ground  for  the  stone  and  brick  structure 


48 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


now  known  as  St.  Mary’s  Academy,  though  it  was  his  intention  to 
dedicate  it  to  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  the  first  canonized  American.  The 
funds  for  the  erection  of  this  fine  edifice  were  obtained  from  the  parish- 


RT.  REV.  THOMAS  FOLEY. 
Fifth  Bishop  of  Chicago. 


ioners  by  contributions  and  as  the  result  of  church  fairs,  which  were 
first  introduced  here  under  Father  Fitzsimmons’  supervision. 

Before  the  school  building  was  completed,  a  wave  of  monetary 
depression  passed  over  the  country  which  was  a  source  of  discourage- 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


49 


ment  to  the  poor  priest  and  the  beginning  of  much  subsequent  trial, 
and  it  yet  remained  unfinished  when  Father  Fitzsimmons  resigned  the 
pastorate  of  Elgin  in  the  fall  of  1877.  In  1879,  having  disposed  of  his 
property,  he  went  to  Chicago  to  reside  with  his  nephew  and  namesake, 
Terrence  Fitzsimmons. 

The  Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons  was  born  in  County  Cavan, 
Ireland.  His  childhood  was  spent  on  his  father’s  farm.  At  the  age  of 
twenty  years  he  bade  adieu  to  his  friends  and  went  to  Boston,  Mass. 
He  began  at  once  classical  and  theological  studies  at  Philadelphia 
and  Montreal  and  was  ordained  a  priest  in  1835.  He  returned  to 
Massachusetts,  and  remained  at  South  Boston  twenty  years,  where 
he  did  great  good  in  the  temperance  cause,  having  at  one  time  the 
leadership  of  1,700  persons. 

He  made  two  visits  to  Europe,  learning  to  speak  the  Italian, 
French  and  Spanish  languages  fluently,  and  acquired  great  funds  of 
information.  He  came  west  in  1857,  taking  up  a  residence  at  Hartland, 
McHenry  county,  Illinois,  where  he  was  assigned  by  Bishop  Duggan. 
Besides  Hartland,  his  charge  included  Harvard,  Woodstock,  Crystal 
Lake  and  vicinity.  This  he  surrendered  when  he  was  transferred  to 
Elgin. 

For  nearly  forty-five  years  did  this  venerable  priest  perform  his 
labors,  erecting  during  this  time  thirteen  churches,  convents  and  insti¬ 
tutions  of  learning,  including  one  in  this  parish. 

Father  Fitzsimmons  died  suddenly,  immediately  after  saying  mass, 
at  the  home  of  his  nephew,  138  Hubbard  street,  Chicago,  Illinois,  on 
December  8,  1880,  in  the  sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  exten¬ 
sively  known  and  had  many  friends  to  whom  he  was  endeared  by  his 
unpretentious,  faithful  and  efficient  work.  His  remains  repose  in 
Calvary  Cemetery,  Chicago. 

REVEREND  JOHN  MACKIN,  THE  NINTH  PASTOR  OF  ELGIN. 

In  the  County  Armagh,  Ireland,  a  county  hallowed  by  the  works  of 
St.  Patrick,  his  sisters  and  disciples,  in  the  year  1833,  John  Mackin  was 
born.  From  early  youth,  when  he  began  to  form  plans  for  his  life 
work,  he  had  but  one  idea — that  of  the  priesthood. 

He  studied  at  the  renowned  Seminary  of  All  Hallows,  Ireland,  and 
was  there  ordained  in  1861  for  the  diocese  of  Chicago.  Bidding  adieu 
to  his  kindred  and  the  scenes  of  his  childhood,  soon  after  his  ordination 


50 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


he  sailed  for  America.  Entering  his  chosen  field,  he  was  assigned  by 
the  Right  Reverend  James  Duggan,  then  bishop  of  the  diocese,  to 
St.  Mary’s  parish,  Chicago,  where  he  officiated  for  two  years,  when  he 
was  made  pastor  of  Lockport,  with  its  out-missions  of  Lemont  and  Sag 
Bridge. 

At  Lockport  he  built  the  tower  of  the  old  St.  Denis’  Church  and 
placed  therein  the  bell  still  in  use. 


REV.  JOHN  MACKIN. 


St.  Mary’s  parish,  Peoria,  became  his  next  charge,  becoming  there 
the  successor  to  Father  Abram  J.  Ryan,  “  the  poet  priest  of  the  South.” 
In  this  parish  Father  Mackin  built  and  established  one  of  the  best 
parish  schools  in  the  State.  He  became  pastor  of  Peoria  in  March, 
1864,  and  remained  until  June  8,  1871,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Joliet, 
where  for  many  years  he  was  pastor  of  St.  Mary’s  parish. 

On  the  second  of  September,  1877,  during  the  celebration  of  his 
first  mass  in  Elgin,  Father  Mackin  announced  that  at  the  command  of 
his  bishop  he  came  to  assume  charge  of  the  parish ;  then  proceeding 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin ,  III. 


5] 


to  the  delivery  of  a  sermon  evinced  pulpit  ability  few  preachers  can 
hope  to  attain,  much  to  the  pleasure  and  gratification  of  his  hearers. 

As  soon  as  he  was  settled  in  his  surroundings,  Father  Mackin 
immediately  bent  to  his  priestly  duties.  Observing  the  old  church 
edifice  to  be  no  longer  adequate  to  the  requirements  of  the  parish, 
under  the  supervision  of  a  Mr.  Garvy  of  Chicago,  he  had  it  remodeled 
and  enlarged  by  veneering  the  walls  of  the  old  structure  with  brick  and 
adding  a  transept  of  the  same  material. 


REMODELED  CHURCH  AND  THE  PAROCHIAL  RESIDENCE. 

While  this  work  was  in  progress,  the  remains  of  Fathers  Gallagher 
and  Carroll  were  removed  from  their  resting  places  beneath  the  old  part 
of  the  church  and  appropriately  reinterred  beneath  the  new  addition. 
By  the  end  of  1879  the  exterior  was  completed,  and  soon  the  interior 
was  finished  and  refurnished  with  new  altars,  pews  and  stations  of  the 
cross,  to  the  entire  satisafction  of  priest  and  people. 

Father  Mackin  next  induced  the  Sisters  of  the  B.  V.  M.  to  locate 
in  the  parish  and  transferred  to  this  order  the  unfinished  parochial 
school  property,  upon  their  agreement  to  assume  the  debt  on  and  to 
complete  the  same. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


52 


On  the  lot  in  Gifford  street  adjoining  the  church  a  few  years  later 
Father  Mackin,  at  a  cost  of  about  $6,000,  built  a  parochial  residence. 
Here,  soon  after  its  occupancy,  while  the  pastor  was  in  the  East  on  a 
needed  vacation,  Father  Patrick  Eugene  Turner,  a  young  priest  from 
Chicago  who  came  as  a  substitute  during  Father  Mackin’s  absence,  died 
suddenly  with  symptoms  of  appendicitis. 

*  *  *  * 

ESTABLISHMENT  OF  ST.  JOSEPH’S  CHURCH. 

In  1887  a  number  of  representative  German  Catholics  of  the  parish 
secured  an  option  on  the  brick  Presbyterian  church  edifice  in  Villa 
street,  near  Chicago  street,  which  later,  by  the  authority  of  the  arch¬ 
bishop,  was  purchased.  After  reconstructing  the  interior  to  meet  the 
requirements  of  the  new  congregation,  it  appeared  a  neat  little  chapel. 

The  Germans  then  withdrew  from  the  old  and  formed  a  new  parish, 
which  has  been  served  in  turn  as  pastors  by  Fathers  B.  Westharp,  Arthur 

Riss  and  Joseph  Rohde.  Father  Rohde  was  appointed  August  15, 
1901,  and  is  doing  his  best  to  advance  the  interests  of  his  charge. 

^  =*  *  # 

Though  the  unforeseen  delay  in  the  publication  of  this  volume  has 
been  a  source  of  some  disappointment,  it  affords  us  pleasure,  as  it  goes 
to  press,  to  add  to  the  preceding  brief  record  of  St.  Joseph’s  parish  a 
memorandum  of  its  progress  in  the  interim,  much  of  which  is  due  to 
the  encouragement  and  guidance  of  its  zealous  pastor,  Father  Rohde. 

Within  the  past  year  it  was  determined  by  priest  and  people  that 
the  old  church  in  Villa  street  and  the  school  room  in  its  basement  were 
too  small  for  the  growing  congregation,  which  now  numbers  more  than 
one  hundred  families.  In  the  fall  of  1902  it  was  disposed  of,  together 
with  the  adjoining  property  on  Chicago  street,  which  belonged  to  the 
parish.  What  was  long  known  as  the  Schaller  property,  on  Division 
street,  between  Center  and  Geneva  streets,  was  then  secured,  at  a  cost 
of  about  $9,600,  as  a  site  for  a  new  church  and  parish  school  building  ; 
the  structures  standing  thereon  to  be  used  as  a  pastoral  residence  and 
a  home  for  the  sisters,  who  would  have  charge  of  the  school. 

To  Mr.  J.  W.  Brinkmann,  of  Chicago,  the  well-known  church  archi¬ 
tect,  was  entrusted  the  work  of  plans  and  specifications  for  the  new  edi¬ 
fices.  These  were  soon  presented  and  accepted,  and  in  May,  1903,  the 


54 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


contracts  were  let  and  ground  broken  for  foundations  of  the  new  build¬ 
ings.  So  rapidly  did  the  work  progress  the  school  building  was  under 
roof  and  the  church  well  under  way  when  the  Right  Rev.  P.  J.  Mul, 
doon,  bishop  of  the  archdiocese,  came  on  the  evening  of  June  21,  1903- 
to  lay  the  corner  stone  of  the  church.  This  ceremony  was  witnessed 
by  a  concourse  of  interested  people,  that  covered  the  parish  grounds 
and  the  adjacent  streets,  the  most  of  whom,  including  courts  of  the 
Catholic  Order  of  Foresters,  from  Chicago,  Aurora,  Winfield,  West 
Chicago,  Hampshire,  Volo  and  Elgin,  accompanied  by  a  brass  band? 
met  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  and  the  accompanying  clergy  on  their  arri¬ 
val  in  the  city  and  escorted  them  to  the  parochial  residence. 

The  congregation  took  possession  of  and  heard  the  first  mass  in 
the  new  church,  which  was  said  by  Father  Rohde,  assisted  by  Father 
Hoendrup,  of  Shermerville,  on  Sunday,  August  23,  1903.  The  citizens 
of  Elgin,  in  general,  congratulate  the  pastor  and  the  congregation  in 
the  speedy  and  successful  termination  of  their  efforts  and  share  with 
them  the  pride  all  must  feel  in  the  erection  of  another  temple  to  Christ¬ 
ianity  that  is  an  ornament  to  our  city. 

The  new  St.  Joseph’s  church  is  of  Toronto  pressed  brick  of  a  dark 
red  shade,  with  trimmings  of  Bedford  sandstone  and  substructure  of 
Joliet  sandstone.  It  is  Romanesque  in  design.  The  tower  is  100  feet 
in  height.  The  auditorium  is  125x39  feet,  and  the  center  elevation  of 
the  arched  and  ribbed  ceiling  is  35  feet.  The  interior  trimmings  are  of 
hard  pine,  with  flooring  of  hard  wood.  The  three  altars  are  of  a  beau¬ 
tiful  Roman  pattern,  and  together  with  chancel  rails  and  pews  are  of 
oak,  designed  and  manufactured  by  Messrs.  Hann  &  Wanzerin,  of 
Milwaukee,  Wis. 

The  seating  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  four  hundred.  The 
entire  parish  buildings  will  be  heated  from  a  steam  plant  located  in  the 
basement  of  the  church. 

The  new  parochial  school  house  is  located  just  to  the  northeast  of 
the  church,  and  is  also  of  brick,  25x58  feet  in  dimensions.  Though 
unpretentious  in  exterior  appearance  it  is  neatly  finished  and  comforta¬ 
ble  in  the  interior,  and  can  readily  accommodate  one  hundred  pupils. 
It  has  two  nice  large  rooms,  a  good  basement  and  ample  play  ground 
for  the  children.  The  two  rooms  are  so  arranged  with  folding  doors 
they  can  be  readily  transformed  into  a  large  hall. 

The  school  will  be  presided  over  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Frances, 
whose  reputation  as  instructors  need  no  testimonials  in  the  community. 


NEW  ST.  JOSEPH’S  CHURCH, 


56 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


The  total  cost  of  the  church  and  school  building  will  be  inside  of 
$ 20,000 ,  which,  taking  the  price  of  material  and  labor  at  the  present 
time  into  consideration,  speaks  well  for  the  judgment  and  attention  of 
those  who  had  the  work  in  charge. 

BIOGRAPHY  OF  REV.  JOSEPH  RHODE. 

Father  Joseph  Rhode  was  born  March  19,  1843,  in  Rietbergt 
Westphalia,  Germany.  He  completed  his  grammar  school  course  in 
the  German  Gymnasium  of  his  native  town  and  then  entered  Pader- 
berg  College,  where  he  studied  for  six  years,  graduating  with  honor. 
At  the  seat  of  the  bishopric,  which  is  located  in  the  college  town,  he 
was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  in  1870.  After  serving  in  the  capacity 
of  a  priest  in  his  native  country  for  six  years  he  came  to  Chicago. 

Since  coming  to  this  archdiocese  Father  Rhode  has  worked  dili¬ 
gently  and  successfully  in  many  German  parishes  and  missions. 
Among  them  before  coming  to  Elgin  he  served  at  St.  Peter’s,  Chicago,. 
Kankakee,  North  Aurora,  and  Volo  and  Fremont  Center,  Lake  county,. 
Illinois. 

#  *  *  ^ 

After  the  Third  Plenary  Council  Father  Mackin  was  made  an 
irremovable  rector  and  a  member  of  the  archbishop’s  council. 

During  his  pastorate  in  Elgin  the  following  young  priests  in  the 
order  named  served  as  Father  Mackin’s  assistants :  Fathers  Thos. 
Carroll,  Edward  M.  Griffin,  J.  Sullivan,  Joseph  Dwyer  and  F.  A.  Lynde. 
Of  these  but  Father  Griffin,  now  an  assistant  with  Father  H.  O’G. 
McShane  in  Chicago,  and  Father  Lynde  survive.*  Father  Carroll  died 
in  Ireland,  while  on  a  visit  in  pursuit  of  health.  Father  Sullivan  died 
in  Chicago  of  blood  poisoning,  contracted  while  attending  a  patient’at 
a  hospital.  Father  Dwyer  met  a  sudden  and  accidental  death  in  an 
Eastern  city.  After  celebrating  mass,  while  crossing  a  street  with  a 
brother  priest,  he  was  run  down  by  a  street  car.  He  died  soon  after¬ 
ward  with  true  Christian  submission  to  the  will  of  Divine  Providence. 

Late  in  the  fall  of  1896  Father  Mackin  began  the  erection  of  the 
magnificent  new  church  of  St.  Mary’s,  the  corner  stone  of  which  was 
laid  July  31,  1898.  With  a  pardonable  pride  he  watched  the  noble  pile 
assume  its  vast  proportions,  but  he  did  not  live  to  say  mass  in  it.  With 

*Father  Lynde  died  at  Boulder,  Colorado,  September  30,  1902,  since  this  article: 
was  written. 


PRIESTS  WHO  ASSISTED  FATHER  MACKIN. 


'58 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


the  humility  and  resignation  of  the  true  priest  that  he  was,  after  a 
long  sickness,  he  surrendered  his  soul  to  the  God  who  gave  it  on  the 
twenty- fourth  of  August,  1899.  And  sadly  enough  the  first  services  in 
the  new  church  were  those  of  his  own  funeral,  with  its  mass  of  requiem, 
the  celebrant  of  which  was  his  cousin,  the  Reverend  M.  T.  Mackin, 
pastor  of  St.  Brendan’s  Church,  Chicago.  Father  H.  P.  Smyth,  pastor 
of  St.  Mary’s  Church,  Evanston,  delivered  the  funeral  sermon,  during 
which  he  paid  an  eloquent  and  merited  tribute  to  the  life  of  the  deceased 
pastor.  Near  a  hundred  of  the  clergy  of  the  diocese  came  to  pay  hom¬ 
age  to  the  memory  of  the  good  priest  and  to  assist  at  the  mass  for  the 
repose  of  his  soul.  And  spacious  as  is  the  new  church,  its  capacity 
was  inadequate  to  the  demands  for  admission  of  the  throng  of  citizens 
and  parishioners,  who  were  there  to  attend  the  obsequies,  and  offer  with 
humility  their  prayers  that  the  soul  of  the  priest  who  had  unpreten¬ 
tiously,  for  twenty-two  years,  labored  among  and  for  them,  with  all  those 
of  the  faithful  departed,  might,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  rest  in  peace. 

The  casket  containing  the  remains  of  Reverend  John  Mackin  is 
inclosed  in  a  brick  vault  beneath  the  floor  on  the  west  side  of  the 
church,  about  six  feet  from  the  wall  near  the  angle  of  the  transept, 
opposite  a  tablet  which  was  erected  to  his  memory. 

In  person  Father  Mackin  was  of  medium  height,  spare  of  build 
and  was  of  a  nervous  sympathetic  temperament.  A  glance  at  his  clean¬ 
out  features  would  evince  the  dignified  scholarly  gentleman.  His 
ideals  were  of  the  highest  order  and  he  strove  to  attain  them. 

Though  sensitive  and  jealous  of  his  rights,  he  willingly  accorded 
others  the  same  consideration  he  sought  himself.  He  possessed  great 
mental  capacity.  He  was  alert  and  always  a  student.  His  ability  and 
intellectuality  were  recognized  by  his  archbishop  and  the  priests  of  the 
archdiocese,  who  often  sought  his  opinions  and  advice  in  their  councils. 
If  this  gave  him  any  pleasure,  it  was  only  as  testimony  to  his  rectitude, 
candor  and  honesty.  He  was  an  eloquent  preacher.  Though  unpre¬ 
tentious  in  regard  to  oratory,  his  sermons  and  discourses  glowed  with  the 
fire  of  genius,  were  always  instructive  and  interesting  and  seldom  failed 
to  find  responsive  chords  in  the  hearts  of  his  congregation. 

The  gentleness  of  his  disposition,  the  simplicity  and  regularity  of 
his  daily  life,  his  devotedness  and  self-sacrifice  as  pastor,  his  kindness 
to  the  poor  and  afflicted,  his  consideration  to  the  erring  and  fallen,  all 
these,  combined  with  his  disregard  for  self,  rendered  him  a  model  priest. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


59 


He  commanded  the  respect  of  all  who  knew  him.  The  memory  of 
his  beautiful  character  will  long  remain  a  cherished  remembrance  among 
his  people. 

Father  F.  A.  Lynde,  who  came  from  Aurora,  Illinois,  in  the  spring 
of  1892,  to  assist  Father  Mackin,  remained  in  charge  of  the  parish 
after  the  death  of  that  revered  priest. 


THE  OLD  CHURCH,  DECEMBER  17,  1899. 

In  his  efforts  to  raise  money  for  the  completion  of  the  church 
Father  Mackin  was  rendered  efficient  aid  by  Father  Lynde,  who  did  all 
in  his  power  to  carry  out  the  plans  of  the  deceased  pastor  when  the 
burden  rested  upon  his  own  shoulders.  In  the  fall  of  1899,  Father  D. 
J.  McCaffrey  of  Chicago  came  to  assist  Father  Lynde  in  administering 
to  the  demands  of  the  parish. 

Through  the  efforts  of  these  priests,  with  the  support  of  the  con¬ 
gregation,  the  new  church,  though  far  from  completion,  was  ready  for 


60 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


occupancy  when  the  newly  appointed  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  J.  McCannr 
came  on  December  24,  1899,  to  assume  control  of  the  parish. 

On  December  17,  1899,  Father  Lynde  celebrated  the  last  mass 
said  in  the  old  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  about  which  are 
clustered  memories  of  other  days.  Within  its  sacred  walls  most  of  the 
congregation  of  today  were  baptized  and  confirmed.  Here  many  were 
joined  in  the  holy  bonds  of  matrimony  and  went  forth  with  the  priest’s 
advice  and  benediction  in  happiness,  good  Christians  and  useful 
members  of  society.  And  here,  above  the  biers  of  our  departed  kindred 
and  friends,  have  we  heard  the  last  requiem  sung  and  the  last  rites  read 
ere  we  laid  to  rest  all  that  was  mortal  of  the  dear  ones,  whose  voices, 
now  hushed  forever,  we  heard  in  prayer  and  chant  so  often  in  praise  to 
the  meek  and  lowly  Nazarene. 

Father  Lynde  remained  an  assistant  with  Father  McCann  until 
September,  1900,  when  the  condition  of  his  health  forced  him  to  seek 
relief  in  a  milder  climate. 

BIOGRAPHY  OF  FATHER  LYNDE. 

Rev.  Francis  A.  Lynde  of  the  archdiocese  of  Chicago,  was  born 
in  Chicago,  Jan.  19,  1864.  The  family  moved  to  Waukegan,  Ill.,  dur¬ 
ing  his  childhood,  and  his  early  education  was  received  in  the  Waukegan 
parochial  school.  He  made  his  classical  and  theological  studies  in  the 
Niagara  University,  and  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  by  the  late 
Bishop  Ryan,  C.  M.,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  June,  15,  1889. 

His  first  appointment  in  the  Chicago  archdiocese  was  at  Dixon, 
Ill.,  where  he  remained  two  years.  He  was  one  year  assistant  pastor 
at  Aurora,  Ill.,  and  eight  years  assistant  pastor  to  the  late  Father 
Mackin,  Elgin,  Ill.,  and  acting  pastor  at  Elgin  following  the  death  of 
Rev.  Father  Mackin  until  the  appointment  of  the  present  pastor, 
Rev.  John  J.  McCann. 

In  September,  1900,  he  was  obliged  on  account  of  failing  health  to 
relinquish  active  duty  and  seek  restoration  in  Colorado.  While  in  the 
West  he  visited  many  places,  even  going  as  far  as  El  Paso,  Texas,  where 
he  spent  the  early  part  of  the  year  1902  in  his  efforts  to  regain  health, 
which  at  the  time  seemed  to  be  improving.  Late  the  following  spring 
he  returned  to  Colorado,  where  his  remaining  strength  gave  way,  his 
malady,  tuberculosis,  complicated  with  stomach  trouble,  having  baffled 
the  best  medical  skill.  He  died  at  Boulder,  Colorado,  Sept.  30,  1902. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


61 


The  remains  were  brought  to  Chicago  by  his  mother,  and  the  funeral 
was  held  from  her  home,  267  Webster  Avenue,  Saturday  morning, 
Oct.  6th,  to  St.  Vincent’s  Church,  where  the  service  began  at  9:30,  with 
the  office  of  the  dead  chanted  by  about  fifty  priests  of  the  archdiocese, 
among  whom  was  Father  Grace,  a  professor  at  Niagara  University,  and 
many  of  his  classmates. 

The  solemn  mass  of  requiem  was  sung  by  Father  E.  W.  Gavin  of 
Waukegan,  for  whom  in  boyhood  the  deceased  served  mass;  Father 
Foley  of  Pullman  was  deacon,  Father  J.  B.  Feeley  of  Harvey  was  sub¬ 
deacon,  and  Father  J.  M.  Scanlan  of  St.  John’s  Church,  Chicago,  was 
master  of  ceremonies. 

Father  P.  C.  Conway  of  St.  Pius’  Church,  Chicago,  a  classmate  of 
Father  Lynde’s,  preached  the  funeral  sermon,  an  eloquent  and  touching 
discourse,  during  which  he  paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  the  disposition, 
life  work  and  death  of  the  deceased,  following  with  words  of  sympathy 
and  encouragement  to  the  bereaved  mother — widowed  since  the  infancy 
of  Father  Lynde;  her  husband,  a  Union  soldier,  was  killed  during 
the  Civil  War — and  to  the  loving  and  self-sacrificing  sister. 

After  the  services  in  Chicago,  the  funeral  cortege  was  by  train  to 
Waukegan,  where,  after  a  short  service  at  St.  Mary’s  Church,  the  inter¬ 
ment  took  place  in  the  parish  cemetery.  Revs.  E.  W.  Gavin, 
P.  C.  Conway,  E.  A.  Murphy,  J.  J.  Morressey,  M.  Sullivan,  Joseph 
Joyce  and  T.  Kearney  officiated  at  the  grave. 


Laying  ot  Corner  Stone  of  New  Church. 


REV.  P.  GILDEA. 

The  corner  stone  of  the  present  beautiful  edifice  was  laid  Sunday 
afternoon,  July  31,  1898.  It  was  a  day  and  a  scene  not  soon  to  be  for¬ 
gotten  by  those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  be  present.  The  weather 
was  perfect.  The  people  began  to  arrive  early,  so  that  every  inch  of 
space  in  and  about  the  church  was  taken  long  before  the  time  appointed 
for  the  ceremony.  There  must  have  been  three  thousand  people  pres¬ 
ent,  Catholics  and  non-Catholics.  The  walls  of  the  new  church  had 
risen  to  a  height  of  some  six  feet ;  they  were  profusely  decorated  with 
the  national  colors.  The  floor  had  been  put  in  place,  and  here  seats 
had  been  reserved  for  the  leading  members  of  the  congregation  and 
other  prominent  citizens. 

At  3.30  p.  m.  the  strains  of  martial  music  were  heard.  The  Elgin 
military  band,  led  by  Mr.  J.  F.  Tetzner,  swung  around  the  corner  of 
Chicago  and  Gifford  streets.  Then  came  the  Catholic  Foresters,  Elgin 
Court  No.  137,  and  St.  Joseph’s  Court,  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  num¬ 
ber.  They  made  a  splendid  appearance  as  they  marched  along  at  a 
lively  pace,  honest  enthusiasm  written  upon  their  manly  faces.  After 
the  Foresters  had  taken  their  places,  the  crowd  settled  back  to  waiting 
patiently  once  more.  The  sun  beat  down  in  all  its  July  fierceness. 
Those  who  had  parasols  put  them  up;  those  who  had  not  wished 
they  had. 

About  4  o’clock  there  was  a  sharp  clicking  of  watches.  It  was 
the  hour  fixed  for  the  ceremony.  All  eyes  were  on  the  parochial  resi¬ 
dence.  At  last  the  procession  came  forth,  glistening  in  vestments  of 
white  and  gold.  First  came  the  cross-bearer,  bearing  aloft  the  emblem 
of  salvation  ;  then  came  two  acolytes  with  lighted  candles.  After  them 
came  the  clergy,  two  and  two,  and  lastly  came  Father  Mooney,  the 
chancellor  of  the  archdiocese,  who  was  to  perform  the  ceremony.  He 
was  vested  in  alb,  stole  and  cope.  The  procession  wended  its  way 
slowly  from  the  parish  house  to  the  new  church,  the  crowd  respectfully- 
parting  to  make  way. 


62 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


And  here  some  indefinable  feeling  of  awe  and  reverence  seemed 
to  creep  over  the  waiting  multitude.  Even  the  whisperings  of  conver¬ 
sation  gradually  died  away.  And  when  the  procession  reached  the 
place  designated  for  the  High  Altar,  and  marked  by  a  large  wooden 
cross,  every  sound  was  hushed.  “  Quam  dilecta  tabernacula  tua ! ” 
“  How  lovely  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of  Hosts  !  ”  Rich  and  clear 
came  the  words,  borne  on  the  warm  afternoon  air.  The  people  bowed 
their  heads ;  some  knelt,  and  a  few  of  the  older  people  wept  silent 
tears.  Perhaps  they  were  thinking  of  another  corner  stone  that  was 
laid  fifty  years  ago.  “  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house,  O  Lord  ; 
they  shall  praise  thee  forever,”  continued  the  chanting  priests.  “Bet¬ 
ter  is  one  day  in  thy  courts  above  a  thousand.  I  have  chosen  to  be  an 
abject  in  the  house  of  my  God,  rather  than  to  dwell  in  the  tabernacles 
of  sinners.  For  God  loveth  mercy  and  truth ;  the  Lord  will  give  grace 
and  glory.  He  will  not  deprive  of  good  things  them  that  walk  in  inno¬ 
cence.  O  Lord  of  Hosts,  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  thee.” 
(Psalm  83.)  While  the  priests  sang  this  psalm,  so  beautiful  in  itself, 
and  so  appropriate  for  the  occasion,  the  officiating  priest  blessed  the 
place  intended  for  the  main  altar.  The  procession  then  moved  to  the 
other  end  of  the  building,  or  to  that  part  of  it  fronting  on  Fulton  street, 
where  the  corner  stone  was  held  in  mid-air,  ready  to  be  dropped  into  its 
place  on  a  moment’s  notice.  Some  appropriate  prayers  were  here  re¬ 
cited.  “  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Son  of  the  living  God,  who  art  the  Stone 
cut  without  hands  from  the  mountain,  make  firm  the  stone  about  to  be 
placed  in  thy  name.”  Then  the  priest  sprinkled  the  stone  with  holy- 
water,  and  cut  the  sign  of  the  cross  on  it  three  times  with  a  mason’s 
trowel,  using  at  the  same  time  the  invocation  of  the  blessed  Trinity — 
“  In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.” 
Again  the  celebrant  prayed.  “  Bless  this  stone,  O  Lord,  and  grant, 
through  the  invocation  of  thy  name,  that  all  who  give  towards  the  build¬ 
ing  of  this  church,  with  a  pure  intention,  may  receive  health  of  body 
and  peace  of  soul,  through  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen.”  Then  the  litany 
of  the  Saints  was  recited,  followed  by  Psalm  126.  “Unless  the  Lord 
build  the  house,  they  labor  in  vain  that  build  it.  Unless  the  Lord  keep 
the  city,  he  watcheth  in  vain  that  keepeth  it.”  And  so  on  to  the  end 
of  the  psalm.  At  a  sign  from  the  master  of  ceremonies,  the  stone, 
guided  by  the  hand  of  the  priest,  slowly  settled  into  its  place.  Other 
prayers  were  recited,  other  psalms  were  sung,  the  walls  of  the  church 
were  sprinkled  with  holy  water,  and  the  ceremony  was  over. 


(34 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Thus  was  laid  the  corner  stone  upon  which  has  since  been  raised 
the  beautiful  church  that  now  graces  the  northwest  corner  of  Gifford 
and  Fulton  streets.  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  it  was  then 
called,  although  the  name  has  since  been  changed  to  that  of  St.  Mary’s 
by  the  authority  and  approval  of  the  archbishop.  The  corner  stone 


THE  LAYING  OF  THE  CORNER  STONE. 

itself  can  easily  be  seen  by  anyone  entering  the  church  from  Fulton 
street.  It  is  on  the  right  hand  side  of  the  main  entrance,  about  six 
feet  above  the  ground.  It  is  a  beautiful  sand  stone,  weighing  eighteen 
hundred  pounds,  and  bearing  on  its  face  the  simple  inscription,  “  St. 
Mary’s,  July  31,  1898.”  There  was  placed  in  the  corner  stone,  in  a 
hollow  made  specially  for  that  purpose,  a  strong  box  of  copper,  con- 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


65 


taining  copies  of  the  daily  papers,  samples  of  the  coins  of  the  United 
States,  and  some  ecclesiastical  documents.  These,  no  doubt,  will  be  a 
subject  of  interest  for  the  antiquarian  of  some  future  day. 

This  sketch  would  be  incomplete  without  some  account  of  the  ser¬ 
mon  delivered  on  the  occasion  by  Father  Egan  of  Auburn  Park,  Chi¬ 
cago.  It  was  pronounced  a  masterly  effort  in  sacred  eloquence  by 
those  who  heard  it.  Unfortunately,  however,  we  have  not  been  able  to 
find  any  manuscript  of  the  sermon.  The  only  reference  we  have  a 
hand  is  the  Elgin  Daily  Courier  of  August  i,  1898. 

Father  Egan  gave  a  brief  outline  of  the  history  of  the  Catholic 
Church,  showing  that  it  was  the  oldest  society  in  existence  bearing  the 
name  of  Christian.  In  part,  he  said  :  “Christ  came  on  earth  to  save 
mankind  from  sin  and  the  consequences  of  sin.  This  He  accomplished 
by  His  life  and  teaching,  and  especially  by  His  death  on  the  cross.  Be¬ 
fore  going  back  to  His  Father,  before  He  ascended  into  heaven,  Christ 
founded  an  organization  or  a  society  that  was  to  continue  the  work  He 
had  begun.  This  society,  this  organization,  is  the  Catholic  church,  the 
same  that  exists  today  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  teaching  the  same  doc¬ 
trines  that  Christ  taught,  administering  the  sacraments  as  He  instituted 
them,  exercising  the  corporal  and  spiritual  works  of  mercy  as  He  com¬ 
manded.  Your  church,  your  congregation  here  in  Elgin,  is  a  branch  of 
that  glorious  institution.” 

The  preacher  then  went  on  to  say,  that  as  Christ  really  dwelt  in 
every  Catholic  church  by  means  of  His  eucharistic  presence,  no  pains 
should  be  spared  to  make  His  dwelling  place  all  that  it  should  be.  No 
temple  could  be  too  magnificent  for  Him,  whom  the  heaven  of  heavens 
cannot  contain. 

Father  Egan  commended  the  pastors  and  the  people  of  Elgin  for 
their  taste,  their  generosity  and  their  enterprise,  of  which  he  saw  ample 
evidences  before  him.  He  did  not  hesitate  to  say  that  the  Elgin 
church  promised  to  be  the  most  beautiful  of  all  suburban  churches  in 
the  archdiocese.  He  earnestly  exhorted  the  people  to  continue  in  their 
generosity,  not  to  relax  their  efforts  till  every  cent  of  debt  was  paid. 
They  could  then  call  the  church  their  own,  and  offer  it  to  God  as  a 
tribute  of  their  homage  and  devotion. 

A  subscription  was  then  taken  up,  some  of  those  present  contrib¬ 
uting  quite  generously.  A  good  sum  was  realized,  which  was  used  in 
helping  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  day. 


66 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Some  figures  may  be  of  interest  here.  The  new  church  is  one  hun¬ 
dred  and  thirty-two  feet  in  length,  and  seventy-two  feet  wide  in  the  tran¬ 
sept.  The  roof  is  sixty-three  feet  high ;  the  clear-story  walls  are  forty- 
three  feet.  The  tower  will  be  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  and  one- 
half  feet.  The  interior  woodwork  is  of  oak.  The  seating  capacity  is 
eight  hundred  and  ten.  The  cost,  exclusive  of  furniture,  is  forty  thous¬ 
and  dollars.  The  architect  was  Martin  Carr  of  Chicago. 


THE  FIRST  CHILD  CHRISTEXED  AND  THE  FIRST  COUPLE  MARRIED 

IN  THE  NEW  CHURCH. 


Among  the  priests  present  on  the  occasion  of  the  laying  of  the  corner 
stone  were:  Fathers  P.  A.  L.  Egan,  N.  J.  Mooney,  P.  J.  Muldoon,  B. 
P.  Murray,  M.  T.  Mackin,  Ed.  A.  Murphy,  P.  J.  McDonnell,  H. 
O’Gara  McShane,  D.  E.  McGuire  and  D.  Hayes,  all  of  Chicago;  Wil¬ 
liam  J.  McNamee  of  Joliet,  M.  Stack  of  St.  Charles,  H.  P.  Smyth  of 
Evanston,  George  H.  Rathz  of  Batavia,  Joseph  T.  Shields  of  St.  Louis 
and  Joseph  Rohde,  St.  Joseph’s. 

The  altar  boys  were  Edward  Kelley,  James  Meenagh  and  George 
McLoughlin. 


ST.  MARY’S  CHURCH 


Salutatory. 


St.  Mary’s  Church,  Elgin,  December  24,  1899.  Rev.  John  J.  McCann. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  for  me  to  say  that  I  am  delighted  at  my 
appointment  to  the  pastorate  of  this  great  parish  of  St.  Mary’s,  Elgin. 
The  fact  that  it  is  one  of  the  ten  irremovable  rectorships  of  the  arch¬ 
diocese  makes  it  a  most  desirable  charge.  More  than  that,  the  reputa¬ 
tion  which  it  has  long  enjoyed  for  its  intelligent  faith,  its  piety,  its 
generosity  and  its  spirit  of  union  and  good  will,  makes  it  worthy  the 
ambition  of  any  priest. 

While  I  am  more  than  pleased  at  my  appointment,  I  assure  you 
it  is  not  in  a  spirit  of  pride  that  I  enter  upon  my  duties.  That  memo¬ 
rial  tablet  over  there  "is  sufficient  to  stifle  any  such  feelings.  That 
marble  recalls  the  memory  of  my  predecessor,  a  priest  universally 
respected  for  all  the  solid  qualities  that  go  to  make  a  man  and  a  priest. 
His  life  on  earth  is  ended,  his  work  is  done,  and  the  verdict  of  the 
world  is  that  his  life  was  a  noble  one  and  his  work  well  done.  When 
he  died  he  had  to  his  credit  forty  years  of  faithful  service  in  the  priest¬ 
hood.  In  the  natural  order  of  things  I  have  many  years  yet  to  live 
and  the  greater  part  of  my  work  is  still  before  me.  That  tablet  speaks 
of  work  accomplished.  In  me  you  can  see  at  most  the  promise  of 
work  to  be  done. 

The  task  assigned  me  is  a  great  one,  materially  and  spiritually  con¬ 
sidered.  I  approach  it  with  humility  indeed  and  yet  with  hope.  I  feel 
confident  of  success,  first,  because  hope  and  courage  are  natural  to  my 
youthful  years.  Another  reason  of  confidence  is  the  fact  that  I  come 
here  not  without  experience.  During  the  last  five  years  I  have  had  a 
fair  measure  of  success  in  a  field  that  few  cared  to  enter  and  where 
failure  was  prophesied  for  me.  My  work  in  Oregon,  Polo,  Byron  and 
Ashton,  the  missions  under  my  charge,  more  than  anything  else  secured 
for  me  the  promotion  to  this  parish. 

I  feel  confident  of  success  also,  because  I  trust  in  the  hearty 
cooperation  of  Father  Lynde,  who  has  labored  so  long  and  so  well  in 


68 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


69 


your  midst.  He  is  acquainted  with  all  of  you  and  is  familiar  with  the 
affairs  of  the  parish.  Since  Father  Mackin  died  his  position  has  been 
a  very  trying  one.  Not  knowing  when  a  new  pastor  would  be 
appointed  or  what  would  be  his  work,  he  had  to  exercise  the  greatest 
prudence.  He  would  naturally  fear  to  do  anything  which  the  new 
pastor  might  not  approve.  When  I  came  and  learned  of  what  he  had 
done  I  could  not  but  congratulate  him.  He  had  filled  a  difficult  position 
well.  I  am  pleased  to  bear  witness  to  his  good  work.  I  feel  that  we 
understand  each  other  perfectly  and  I  feel  certain  that  his  future 
cooperation  will  greatly  tend  to  lighten  my  labor. 

Finally,  I  trust  in  the  zeal  and  generosity  of  the  whole  parish,  not 
forgetting  even  the  children.  What  has  been  already  done  speaks  vol¬ 
umes  for  your  good  will  and  generosity.  Loving  your  former  pastor, 
as  I  know  you  did,  I  am  sure  you  are  most  anxious  to  see  this  church 
completed  and  paid  for,  because  you  know  how  much  he  desired  it. 
Moreover,  this  is  to  be  the  temple  of  God;  not  a  place  where  you  come 
to  offer  worship  merely,  but  a  place  where  God  is  to  dwell  corporally 
in  the  blessed  sacrament.  Here  in  the  tabernacle  our  blessed  Lord 
shall  ever  reside.  This  church  is  to  be  God’s  house  in  the  literal  sense 
of  the  words.  Believing  this,  as  you  do,  you  must  be  ready  to  work 
and  contribute  that  it  may  be  worthy  of  God. 

Above  all,  I  trust  in  the  grace  of  God.  Without  His  grace  we 
would  work  in  vain.  Pray,  therefore,  that  He  may  lavish  His  grace  on 
us  priests  and  on  yourselves.  Doing  all  we  can  ourselves  by  our  nat¬ 
ural  power,  God’s  grace  will  not  permit  that  our  efforts  fail. 

Still,  my  dear  brethren,  the  material  work  before  us  is  only  one 
part  of  our  duty.  It  is  a  great  work,  but  it  is  not  all.  Nor  is  it  the 
more  important  The  end  of  religion  is  not  the  erection  of  churches 
and  schools  and  the  holding  of  great  ceremonials.  These  are  only  a 
means  to  an  end.  The  end  of  them  all  is  our  own  personal  sanctification. 
We  must  not,  therefore,  imagine  that  we  have  done  our  duty 
when  we  have  completed  and  paid  for  our  church  edifice.  In  the  mean¬ 
time  we  must  labor  for  our  own  sanctification.  We  must  be  holy,  as 
God  is  holy,  if  we  hope  to  abide  with  Him  in  eternity. 

We  priests  are  the  ministers  of  God,  empowered  and  commanded 
to  assist  you  in  the  work  of  personal  sanctification.  God  has  appointed 
us  to  preach  His  gospel,  to  administer  His  sacraments,  the  channels  of 
grace,  and  He  desires  us  to  be  models  of  the  virtues  which  we  inculcate* 
I  do  most  earnestly  pray  that  we  shall  not  be  wanting  in  our  part,  and 


TO 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


you  must  pray  for  us,  “lest,”  as  St.  Paul  says,  “after  we  have  preached 
to  others  we  ourselves  should  become  castaways.” 

Without  going  into  details,  I  can  at  least  promise  that  we  shall 
give  you  the  best  service  in  our  power.  In  the  old  church  many  things 
were  difficult  or  impossible  which  here  are  feasible.  Father  Mackin 
had  planned  many  improvements  in  the  way  of  devotions  and  sodalities 
when  he  should  have  moved  into  this  new  building.  I  shall  endeavor 
to  carry  them  out  as  I  learn  your  wishes  and  needs  and  as  opportunity 
offers.  We  shall  do  all  we  can  to  encourage  the  choir.  In  my  estima¬ 
tion  good  music  is  a  most  important  feature  of  church  service.  I  am 
gratified  to  find  here  such  an  excellent  choir  and  I  shall  do  all  I  can  to 
assist  and  encourage  them. 

Finally,  the  children  shall  come  in  for  a  large  share  of  my  attention. 
If  we  would  perpetuate  the  church  we  must  see  to  the  early  training  of 
the  children.  The  future  of  the  church  depends  upon  their  education. 
The  intelligent  faith,  the  piety,  the  generosity  and  general  good  spirit 
of  this  parish  is  due  in  very  great  measure  to  the  influence  of  the  school 
which  you  have  had  in  your  midst  so  many  years.  In  every  place  where 
these  sisters  have  schools  they  enjoy  the  highest  reputation  as  teachers. 
Whatever  I  can  do  to  further  their  work  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  do. 
All  thoughtful  men  will  admit  that  where  it  is  possible,  a  school  in 
which  science  and  religion  go  hand  in  hand  is  the  ideal  one.  Here  in 
this  parish  we  have  such  a  school  and  I  would  like  to  see  you  all  take 
advantage  of  it. 

In  conclusion,  there  are  two  suggestions  which  seem  appropriate 
on  this  occasion.  We  are  opening  today  the  magnificent  edifice  which 
Father  Mackin  so  longed  to  see  completed.  I  would  suggest,  therefore, 
that  you  offer  your  prayers  and  communion  for  the  repose  of  his  soul. 
I  would  also  ask  you  to  pray  for  us  priests  who  are  to  continue  his 
work.  Pray  that  we  may  not  succumb  to  the  burdens  and  heat  of  the 
day.  Pray  that  we  may  labor  faithfully  all  the  day,  so  that  we  may  not 
fear  to  meet  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  when  at  eventide  the  angel  of  death 
shall  summon  us  home. 


THE  FIRST  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CHICAGO  AND  HIS  AUXILIARY  BISHOPS 


Rev.  John  J.  McCann. 


THE  TENTH  PASTOR. 

Rev.  John  J.  McCann  was  born  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  Octo¬ 
ber  25,  1862.  He  is  the  son  of  George  T.  and  Catherine  McCann 
of  Aurora,  Ill,  to  which  place  the  family  moved  in  July,  1866.  Father 
McCann  attended  the  Aurora  public  schools,  and  had  spent  one  year 
in  the  high  school  when  he  went  to  college.  Entering  St.  Viateur’s 
College,  Bourbonnais,  Ill.,  in  September,  1877,  he  remained  there  five 
years  in  the  study  of  the  classics  and  philosophy.  He  studied  theology 
and  kindred  sciences  in  St.  Mary’s  Seminary,  Baltimore,  Md.,  finisaing 
the  regular  course  of  clerical  studies  January  6,  1888,  on  which  date 
he  received  ordination  at  the  hands  of  His  Eminence  Cardinal  Gibbons. 
The  next  seven  years  he  spent  as  assistant  at  St.  James’,  Chicago;  St. 
Philip’s,  Chicago;  St.  Mary’s,  Joliet,  and  St.  Michael’s,  Ga]ena.  He 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  missions  of  Oregon,  Polo  and  Forreston 
by  Archbishop  Feehan,  November  28,  1894.  He  soon  afterwards 
annexed  the  missions  at  Byron  and  Ashton.  He  organized  the  first 
Catholic  congregation  and  built  the  first  Catholic  church  at  Byron  in 
1895.  A  four  acre  cemetery  and  six  town  lots  were  also  purchased  by 
him  at  Byron.  The  churches  at  Oregon  and  Ashton  were  greatly  im¬ 
proved  under  his  pastorate.  In  Polo  he  secured  a  centrally  located  lot 
and  erected  a  new  church  at  a  cost  of  a  little  over  $10,000.  Both 
churches  which  he  built,  that  at  Byron  and  that  at  £olo,  were  fully  paid 
for  before  the  first  mass  was  said  in  them. 

Father  McCann  is  a  member  of  the  Albert  Woodcock  Camp,  Sons 
of  Veterans,  Byron,  Ill.  When  the  Spanish  American  war  broke  out 
he  was  appointed  chaplain  of  the  Sons  of  Veterans’  provisional  regi¬ 
ment  by  Colonel  Hamilton.  In  union  with  the  regimental  surgeon,  Dr. 
E.  H.  Abbott  of  Elgin,  he  enlisted  a  full  company  of  soldiers  for  the 
regiment  in  the  vicinity  of  Oregon  and  Byron. 

At  a  competitive  examination,  held  Friday,  December  15,  1899,  at 
the  Cathedral  residence,  Chicago,  he  passed  a  successful  examination 


72 


PRESENT  PASTOR  OF  ST.  MARY'S  PARISH  AND  ASSISTANT  PRIESTS. 


74 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


before  the  Archdiocesan  Examining  Board,  and  the  next  day  was  ap¬ 
pointed  by  Archbishop  Feehan  to  the  irremovable  rectorship  of  St. 
Mary’s  Church,  Elgin. 

REV.  PATRICK  GILDEA. 

Rev.  Patrick  Gildea  was  born  in  Ireland,  June  4,  1868.  He  studied 
classics  at  St.  Jarlath’s  College,  Tuam.  Coming  to  America  in  August, 
1886,  he  entered  Niagara  University  in  September  of  the  same  year, 
where  he  pursued  his  studies  in  philosophy  and  theology  for  the  next 
six  years.  He  was  ordained  for  the  Archdiocese  of  Chicago,  June  n, 
1892,  by  Bishop  Ryan  of  Buffalo.  His  first  appointment  was  to  St. 
James’  church,  Chicago.  He  came  to  Elgin  in  August,  1900. 

REV.  JOHN  B.  MURRAY. 

Rev.  John  B.  Murray,  at  present  one  of  the  assistant  pastors  of  St. 
Mary’s  church,  was  born  in  Chicago. 

He  was  educated  at  St.  Canisius’  College,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  St. 
Mary’s  Seminary,  Baltimore,  Md.  He  was  ordained  priest  on  June  22, 
1895.  As  a  priest  of  the  Archdiocese,  he  has  served  as  assistant  at  St. 
Mary’s,  Aurora;  St.  Leo’s,  Chicago;  St.  Patrick’s,  Rochelle.  He  came 
to  this  parish  April  29,  1901. 

PRELATE  AND  PRIESTS  WHO  WERE  ELGIN  BOYS.  • 

Among  the  prelates  and  priests  who  are  a  source  of  pride  to  their 
creed  and  country,  the  parish  of  Elgin  has  the  honor  to  name  four  sons 
of  its  pioneers  who  spent  a  goodly  portion  of  their  boyhood  within  its 
border.  They  are  Rt.  Rev.  Maurice  Francis  Burke,  Bishop  of  St. 
Joseph,  Missouri ;  Very  Rev.  Daniel  J.  Spillard,  C.  S.  C.,  President  of 
Holy  Cross  College,  New  Orleans,  Louisiana ;  Very  Rev.  Patrick 
Keating,  S.  J.,  President  of  St.  Xavier’s  College,  Melbourne,  Australia, 
and  Rev.  Michael  Hennessy  of  the  diocese  of  Puebla,  State  of  Puebla, 
Mexico. 

BISHOP  BURKE. 

Rt.  Rev.  Maurice  Francis  Burke  was  born  in  Ireland,  May  5,  1845, 
being  the  sixth  of  eight  children  (of  whom  he  is  the  youngest  survivor) 
born  to  Francis  N.  and  Joanna  C.  Burke. 


76 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


The  family  came  to  America  in  1849  and  settled  in  Chicago.  In 
1856  they  moved  to  Elgin  and  fixed  their  home  on  a  farm  in  Hoosier 
Groove,  which  was  purchased  by  the  father.  There,  at  the  district 
school  and  at  the  Elgin  Academy,  young  Maurice  received  his  rudi 
mentary  education.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  entered  the  University 
of  St.  Mary’s  of  the  Lake,  Chicago,  where  he  remained  until  February, 
1866,  when  he  matriculated  at  the  University  of  Notre  Dame,  Indiana. 
During  the  following  September,  having  been  accepted  as  a  student,  he 
was  sent  to  the  American  College  at  Rome,  where,  after  completing  a 
thorough  course,  he  was  ordained  by  Cardinal  Patrizi  on  May  22,  1875, 
for  the  diocese  of  Chicago. 

On  his  return  to  his  diocese  he  was  assigned  to  duty  in  St. 
Mary’s  Church,  Chicago,  as  assistant  priest,  where  he  remained  until 
March  24,  1878,  when  he  was  appointed  by  Bishop  Foley  to  the  pastor¬ 
ate  of  St.  Mary’s  parish,  Joliet.  There,  by  his  zeal  and  energy,  he  soon 
completed  a  fine  stone  church,  built  and  established  parochial  schools 
and  procured  a  site  for  a  Catholic  cemetery  on  the  east  side  of  the  city. 
The  evident  ability  of  the  devoted  priest  marked  him  as  one  to  whom 
important  duties  could  be  confided.  When  the  diocese  of  Cheyenne 
was  erected  he  was  elected  by  the  Sovereign  Pontiff  to  guide  the  new 
flock  and  was  consecrated  its  first  bishop  on  October  28,  1887,  at  the 
Cathedral  of  the  Holy  Name  in  Chicago,  by  Archbishop  Feehan, 
assisted  by  Bishops  McCloskey  of  Louisville,  and  Cosgrove  of  Daven¬ 
port.  In  this  new  diocese,  which  embraces  all  of  Wyoming  Territory  ? 
the  young  bishop  found  ample  scope  for  his  ability  for  organizing  the 
work  of  Catholicity  among  the  4,500  white  and  3,500  Indian  adherents 
of  the  faith.  With  characteristic  firmness  he  applied  himself  to  duty 
and  soon  the  diocese  of  Cheyenne  possessed  the  public  institutions 
which  only  the  presence  and  energy  of  a  bishop  can  call  forth. 

On  June  19,  1893,  Bishop  Burke  was  transferred  to  the  important 
new  diocese  of  St.  Joseph,  Missouri.  Since  his  arrival  there  he  has 
remodeled  and  enlarged  the  cathedral,  built  an  episcopal  residence, 
laid  out  a  new  cemetery,  and  through  his  instrumentality  the  Ladies  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  have  just  completed  a  parochial  school  at  a  cost  of 
$60,000. 

THE  VERY  REV.  DANIEL  JOSEPH  SPILLARD,  C.  S.  C. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Joseph  Spillard,  C.  S.  C.,  the  oldest  of  thirteen 
children,  was  born  in  the  city  of  Cork,  Ireland,  on  the  8th  of  November,. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


77 


1839.  In  1842  his  parents  removed  to  the  United  States,  and  resided, 
for  the  following  ten  years,  in  Rochester,  New  York,  where  young  Mr. 
Spillard  attended  the  public  schools  for  a  while,  and  afterwards  the 
Catholic  Select  School,  when  it  was  opened  at  St.  Mary’s  church.  He 
also  attended  the  Academy  of  the  Sacred  Heart  until  it  was  finally 
closed.  In  1853  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  Erie,  Pa.,  where  he 
remained  about  one  year. 

In  1854  the  family  removed  to  Elgin,  where  the  future  priest 
attended  both  the  public  and  private  schools  successively,  and  he  spent 
two  years  at  the  Elgin  Academy. 

Considerably  advanced  in  his  studies,  Mr.  Spillard  entered  the 
University  of  Notre  Dame,  Indiana,  in  February,  1862.  After  two  and 
one-half  years  of  diligent  application,  he  completed  the  studies  pre¬ 
scribed  in  the  collegiate  course,  and  in  June,  1864,  received  the  degree 
of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  On  that  same  occasion  he  was  chosen  to  deliver 
the  valedictory  oration,  which  he  did  in  a  most  effective  manner.  He 
also  bore  away  with  him  the  premium  of  honor  for  that  year. 

Some  months  after  his  graduation,  Mr.  Spillard  resolved  to  link 
his  destiny  with  the  institution  wherein  he  had  completed  his  studies, 
and  accordingly  he  entered  the  novitiate  of  the  Congregation  of  the 
Holy  Cross  at  Notre  Dame,  and,  after  the  prescribed  term  of  probation, 
made  his  profession  in  September,  1866.  He  continued  his  theological 
studies  till  August,  1868,  when  he  was,  on  the  28th  of  that  month, 
ordained  priest. 

Previous  to  his  ordination,  Mr.  Spillard  had  been  engaged  in 
teaching  Latin  and  Greek  in  the  college,  but  after  ordination  he  was 
appointed  Prefect  of  Discipline,  which  office  he  held  for  two  years. 

His  experiences,  during  thirty-two  subsequent  years  of  his  priest¬ 
hood  were  many  and  varied,  and  we  cannot  in  this  notice  give  more 
than  a  very  brief  outline  of  them. 

In  August,  1870,  he  was  named  pastor  of  St.  Patrick’s  Church, 
South  Bend,  Indiana.  During  the  four  years  of  his  incumbency  he 
built  a  school  house,  paid  part  of  the  debt  on  the  church,  and  instituted 
monthly  collections,  which  were  kept  up  by  his  successors,  until  all  the 
debts  on  the  old  church  were  canceled  and  the  new  church  was  built 
and  paid  for. 

Father  Spillard’s  hard  work  began  to  tell  upon  his  health,  and  his 
superior  thought  that  a  change  of  climate  would  be  beneficial  to  him. 


78 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


He  was  accordingly  sent  to  Austin,  Texas,  where  he  remained  nearly 
ten  years.  The  change  of  climate,  however,  did  not  bring  any  diminu¬ 
tion  of  labor.  He  built  the  first  frame  college  building,  east  of  the 
present  magnificent  structure,  and  called  it  St.  Edward’s  College,  after 
the  patron  saint  of  the  then  Superior  General,  the  Very  Rev.  Edward 
Sorin. 

The  beautiful  St.  Mary’s  church,  of  which  Father  Spillard  was 
pastor,  was  begun  by  him  under  great  difficulties.  The  structure  was 
not  completed  when  he  was  again  appointed  to  his  former  office  of 
president  of  St.  Edward’s  College.  After  a  year  he  was  recalled  to 
Notre  Dame  to  take  charge  of  the  novitiate,  holding  the  responsible 
position  of  Master  of  Novices  for  two  years. 

Next  we  find  him,  with  other  priests  of  the  Congregation  of  the 
Holy  Cross,  giving  missions  in  Indiana,  Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  Iowa. 

When  the  mission  season  closed,  he  took  temporary  charge  of  the 
little  parish  of  Richwood,  Wisconsin,  and  here,  while  attending  to  the 
wants  of  the  few  Catholics  of  the  neighborhood,  he  enjoyed  a  well- 
earned  and  much-needed  rest. 

The  following  year  we  meet  him  again  at  Notre  Dame,  as  rector  of 
Holy  Cross  Seminary.  Two  years  afterwards  he  was  named  assistant 
local  superior  at  Notre  Dame  and  teacher  of  moral  theology.  Then, 
in  consequence  of  the  serious  illness  of  its  pastor,  St.  Patrick’s  church 
was  again  entrusted  to  the  care  of  Father  Spillard,  and  thus,  after  an 
absence  of  seventeen  years,  he  was  welcomed  back  once  more  to  the 
scene  of  his  early  pastoral  labors.  During  his  stay  the  old  church 
property  was  sold,  the  debt  on  the  church  paid,  and  the  beautiful  pas¬ 
toral  residence  built. 

On  the  death  of  the  Very  Rev.  A.  Granger,  July  26,  1893,  bather 
Spillard  succeeded  him  as  local  superior  and  second  assistant  general. 
When  the  present  superior  general  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  the  Very  Rev.  G.  Francais,  made  his  first  official  visit  to  New 
Orleans,  he  decided  that  a  new  college  building  was  needed  and  that 
F  r  Spillard  was  the  right  man  to  take  the  work  in  hand.  Whilst 
directing  the  work,  he  also  had  charge  of  the  Church  of  the  Sacred 
Heart.  It  was  during  his  pastorate  that  this  church  was  built  by  the 
munificence  of  that  grand  old  Catholic  gentleman,  Colonel  Count 
Patrick  B.  O’Brien.  This  church  was  dedicated  and  consecrated  on 
the  same  day,  February  23,  1896,  by  Archbishop  Janssens.  This 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


79 


church  is  one  of  the  very  few  in  the  country  that  is  consecrated.  It  is 
not  out  of  place  here  to  mention  that  the  same  generous  benefactor  did 
not  forget  the  interests  of  the  children  of  the  parish,  as  his  bequest  of 
five  thousand  dollars  ($5,000)  for  the  erection  of  a  parish  school  testifies. 

In  1897  Father  Spillard  was  called  to  the  presidency  of  the  Holy 
Cross  College,  just  mentioned.  However,  he  did  not  leave  the  parish 
until  he  had  gone  through  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  that  year,  daily 
visiting  the  “  Isolation  Hospital  ”  until  the  scourge  had  passed.  Being 
once  asked  whether,  not  being  an  immune,  he  was  not  afraid  of  the 
dread  plague,  he  answered  as  any  ordinary  good  priest  might  have  done 
under  the  circumstances,  “During  my  priestly  life  I  have  never  shrunk 
from  duty.  I  may  die  of  yellow  jack,  never  of  fear.’’ 

At  present,  Father  Spillard  is  president  of  the  Holy  Cross  College, 
which  under  his  management  is  forging  to  the  front  among  educational 
institutions. 

Besides  college  work,  Father  Spillard  is  chairman  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Studies  for  the  Catholic  Winter  School. 

For  those  who  heard  him  at  the  celebration  of  our  Golden  Jubilee, 
and  for  our  townsfolk  who  have  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  him 
occasionally  at  his  visits  to  Elgin,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  he 
is  possessed  of  considerable  ability  as  a  pulpit  orator,  which  fact  is 
recognized  in  his  present  southern  home,  where  he  is  often  called  upon 
to  preach  on  special  occasions. 

Father  Spillard  is  still  in  the  enjoyment  of  health  and  strength, 
and  someone  remarked  of  him  not  long  since,  “  He  is  the  youngest 
old  man  I  have  ever  seen.” 

May  he  live  long  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  green  old  age. 

VERY  REV.  PATRICK  KEATING,  S.  J. 

On  St.  Patrick’s  Day,  1846,  Patrick  Keating  was  born  in  Tipper¬ 
ary,  Ireland,  where  his  parents,  Patrick  and  Elizabeth  Keating,  for 
many  years  conducted  a  general  mercantile  business.  Having  dis¬ 
posed  of  their  business  and  property  in  1849,  Mr.  Keating  with  his 
family  soon  afterward  came  to  America  and  settled  near  Elgin  on  all 
extensive  farm  at  Fayville,  which  he  purchased,  and  there  the  boyhood 
years  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  were  spen. 

He  attended  school  in  Elgin  and  was  ta  great  favorite  with  an 
because  of  his  extreme  good  nature  and  lively  disposition. 


.'80 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


In  1861  he  returned  to  Ireland  and  entered  Clongowes  Wood 
College,  near  Dublin,  of  which  his  brother,  Father  Thomas  Keating,  S.  J., 
was  rector.  He  studied  in  Jesuit  colleges  in  France,  Germany  and 
Italy,  and  was  in  Rome  when  it  was  besieged  by  Victor  Emmanuel  in 
1870.  Patrick,  with  other  students,  was  assigned  to  care  for  the 
wounded,  and  relates  that  though  bullets  whizzed  about  them,  and  shells 
exploded  near,  not  one  of  them  was  injured.  The  boys  were  burning 
with  desire  to  show  their  devotion  to  the  Pope  by  taking  arms  and  pitch- 


HOME  OF  KEATING  FAMILY,  FAYVILLE. 

ing  into  the  fray,  but  the  saintly  Pius  IX  would  have  no  wanton  blood 
shed.  As  soon  as  the  robbers  succeeded  in  breaking  through  the  wall, 
he  saw  that  his  brave  soldiers  would  all  be  sacrificed  before  the  over¬ 
whelming  numbers  assailing  them,  and  ordered  all  to  submit  for  the  time. 

In  1880  Patrick  Keating  was  ordained  and  began  his  mission  of 
preaching  and  teaching  in  various  Jesuit  institutions  in  the  old  world. 
He  has  served  as  rector  of  Clongowes  Wood  College,  Ireland,  of  St. 
Ignatius  College  in  Sydney,  Australia,  and  at  present  is  president  of  St. 
Xavier’s  College  in  Melbourne. 


St.  Marys  Parish ,  Elgin ,  III. 


SI 


He  has  been  a  faithful  son  of  Loyola — has  made  many  friends 
beyond  the  sea,  but  remembers  with  affection  the  scenes  and  compan¬ 
ions  of  his  boyhood  and  the  awakening  of  Christian  faith  in  his  childish 
soul  under  the  guidance  of  the  early  priests  of  the  old  church  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  in  Elgin. 

THE  REV.  MICHAEL  HENNESSY. 

The  Rev.  Michael  Hennessy  was  one  of  twin  sons  born  to  John 
Hennessy  and  Mary  Roche,  his  wife,  at  Clintonville,  Kane  county, 
Illinois,  December  24,  1867. 

He  attended  the  village  school  at  the  place  of  his  nativity  until  he 
was  twelve  years  of  age,  when  with  his  parents  and  the  rest  of  the 
family,  he  went  to  Tombstone,  Arizona,  where  he  was  instructed  at  a 
Catholic  college  for  about  six  years.  In  1885  he  entered  St.  Charles 
College,  Ellicott  City,  Maryland,  and  later  attended  St.  Mary’s  Semi¬ 
nary,  Baltimore,  where  he  remained  about  two  years,  when  he  returned 
to  Arizona  on  account  of  the  death  of  a  brother.  Remaining  at  Flagstaff, 
he  received  private  instruction  under  the  auspices  of  the  Bishop  of 
Tucson. 

On  October  30,  1893,  he  sailed  for  Louvain,  Belgium,  where  he 
completed  his  studies  and  was  ordained  July  7,  1899.  Returning 
immediately  to  the  United  States,  he  was  sent  to  Puebla,  Puebla, 
Mexico,  where  he  began  his  mission  as  a  Catholic  priest. 

By  late  reports  it  is  learned  he  is  at  present  an  assistant  to  the 
pastor  of  Santa  Monica,  California. 

Daniel  Gahan,  Jr. 


SISTERS. 

That  heroic  spirit  of  self-abnegation  which  has  impelled  countless 
women  in  other  lands  to  choose  a  religious  vocation,  was  not  wanting 
even  amongst  the  little  band  of  Elgin  worshipers.  Though  aware  how 
distasteful  public  mention  will  be  to  them,  we  take  the  liberty  of  record¬ 
ing  the  names  of  these  women,  once  parishioners  of  Elgin,  who  are  now 
members  of  various  religious  orders :  Miss  Mary  Keating,  now  a 
Madame  of  the  Sacred  Heart  at  Omaha,  Neb.;  Miss  Josephine  Reegan, 
now  Sister  Hortense  of  the  Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor,  at  Oran,  Africa; 
Miss  Sarah  M.  Dwyer,  now  Sister  M.  Cristina  of  Sisters  of  Mercy; 


1.  Miss  Josephine  Regan,  now  Sister  Hortense. 

2.  Sister  Monica  of  the  Order  of  St.  Benedict,  formerly  Miss  Mary  Hogan  and  later 

Mrs.  Cummings. 

3.  Miss  Mary  Rochford,  Sister  M.  Lidwina  of  the  B.  V.  M. 

4.  Miss  Catherine  Rochford,  Sister  M.  Hiltrude  of  the  B.  V.  M. 

5.  Miss  Joanna  Rochford,  Sister  M.  Remberta  of  the  B.  V.  M. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


83 


the  following  Sisters  of  Charity,  B.  V.  M.:  Misses  Kate  Foley,  Sister 
M.  Assunta;  Mary  Rochford,  Sister  M.  Lidwina  ;  Catherine  Rochford, 
Sister  M.  Hiltrude  ;  Joanna  Rochford,  Sister  M.  Remberta  ;  Anastasia 
Meehan,  Sister  M.  Evangelista ;  Sarah  Russell  Powers,  Sister  M. 
Ligouri,  and  Minnie  Palmer,  Sister  M.  Bertina,  Miss  Mary  Hogan, 
afterwards  Mrs.  Cummings,  joined  the  Benedictine  Order,  and  is 
known  as  Sister  Monica  at  the  academy  in  Nauvoo,  Ill.;  Miss  Celia 
McCartney,  Sister  Amadus  Marie  of  the  Sisters  of  Providence.  St. 
Mary’s,  Ind. 


St.  Mary’s  Parish. 


ITS  EARLY  DAYS  AND  FAMILIAR  FACES  OF  THE 

LONG  AGO. 

(k 

In  this  fair  land  few  cities  there  are  the  size  of  Elgin  that  cannot 
claim  among  the  earliest  settlers  Catholic  pioneers.  Many  of  these, 
because  of  the  unjust  and  discriminating  laws  prevailing  in  the  land  of 
their  nativity,  on  arrival  were  poor  in  worldly  goods,  but  rich  in  the 
possession  of  love  of  God,  of  country  and  honesty  of  purpose.  In 
religion  they  were  not  aliens  in  America.  If  the  traditions  of  Ireland 
and  the  Sagas  of  Iceland  be  true,  St.  Brendan,  a  Catholic  Irishman, 
and  Leif  Erikson,  a  Catholic  Norseman,  were  the  first  Caucasians 
to  reach  its  shores.  Our  ancestors  in  the  Catholic  faith  manned 
the  caravels  of  Columbus.  They  first  sailed  its  lakes  and  rivers, 
they  first  explored  its  forests,  plains  and  mountains.  With  the 
courage  of  martyrs  they  spread  the  light  of  Christianity  among  its 
dusky  inhabitants.  They  first,  in  a  realm  now  within  the  confines  of 
the  United  States,  proclaimed  the  right  of  man  to  worship  his  Creator 
according  to  the  dictates  of  conscience.  Their  names  are  conspicuous 
among  the  bravest  and  best  who  signed  the  Declaration  of  Independ¬ 
ence. 

During  the  War  of  the  Revolution  the  army  and  navy  of  Washing¬ 
ton  bristled  with  men  who  were  proud  to  assert  their  Catholicity,  and 
the  French  soldiers  and  sailors  who  came  to  his  assistance  when  all  was 
darkest  were  sent  by  the  devoted  Catholic  King  and  Queen,  Louis 
XVI  and  Marie  Antoinette. 

We  of  today  are  unworthy  of  our  heritage  if  we  do  not  properly 
sustain  the  faith  of  such  illustrious  sires. 

=&  *  * 

The  harbinger  of  civilization  in  the  section  of  Illinois  in  which 
Elgin  is  located  was  the  United  States  soldier. 

In  1832,  the  Indians  under  Black  Hawk,  in  their  final  though  futile 
effort  to  retain  the  domain  of  their  forefathers,  created  such  consterna- 


84 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  111. 


85 


tion  that  nine  companies  of  infantry  commanded  by  General  Scott  were 
sent  from  the  seaboard  to  support  the  troops  at  the  front. 

On  the  8th  of  July,  this  command,  decimated  by  Asiatic  cholera 
(which  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  America  that  summer)  to  less  than 
four  companies,  arrived  in  Chicago,  where  Fort  Dearborn  was  soon 
converted  into  a  hospital.  After  the  disease  had  abated,  the  march 
towards  the  Mississippi  was  resumed. 

Little  grassy  mounds  to  this  day  mark  the  resting  places  of  many 
of  these  defenders  of  our  frontier,  who  were  buried  where  they  fell, 
victims  of  the  cholera,  and  are  mute  indicators  of  the  course  of  Scott’s 
trail  across  the  state. 

Along  that  trail  came  the  first  settlers  to  this  vicinity,  and  along 
that  trail  also  went  the  Indians  on  their  final  visits  to  Fort  Dearborn. 

The  ford  at  Fox  river  was  at  the  place  now  known  as  “  Five 
Islands,”  and  to  the  early  settlers  as  “  Scott’s  Ford.”  It  is  about  four 
miles  south  of  Elgin.  There  on  the  western  bank  of  the  river,  close  to 
a  spring  which  is  near  the  end  of  the  Elgin,  Aurora  &  Southern 
Traction  Company's  bridge,  Scott’s  command  struck  camp  after  cross¬ 
ing  the  river;  and  at  that  place  lie  under  one  mound  the  remains  of  two 
of  those  unknown  soldier  boys.  No  tablet  marks  the  spot,  but  a  wild 
cherry  tree  keeps  silent  vigil  beside  their  forsaken  graves.  No  record 
even  in  the  war  department  of  the  United  States  of  their  names  is 
available,  and  though  but  seventy  years  have  elapsed  since  their 
sacrifices,  all  seems  to  be  forgotten. 

That  the  names  and  sacrifices  of  the  pioneers  of  St.  Mary’s  Parish 
may  not  be  forgotten  when  their  forms  and  features  shall  have  dis¬ 
appeared,  is  the  main  object  of  our  volume. 

GEORGE  TYLER. 

Elgin’s  Fust  Catholic  Parishioner. 

During  the  time  James  T.  Gifford,  the  whole-souled,  generous 
man  who  founded  the  town  of  Elgin  (whose  kindness  and  aid  to  early 
settlers  was  appreciated  by  them  and  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  their 
descendants),  was  building  his  log  house,  Elgin’s  first  structure,  George 
Tyler,  Elgin’s  first  Catholic  parishioner  appeared  on  the  scene. 

Mr.  Tyler  was  born  in  Claremont,  New  Hampshire,  November 
28,  1800.  His  parents  were  both  Episcopalians  and  his  uncle,  the 


86 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  was  a  minister  of  high  standing  in  that  creed,  and 
was  widely  known  in  New  England. 

*  At  the  age  of  20.  young  Tyler  left  home  for  Georgia,  where  another 
maternal  uncle  was  extensively  engaged  in  the  milling  business.  There 
he  remained  for  some  time  teaching  school,  an  occupation  he  enjoyed. 
He  was  a  man  of  superior  education,  being  a  master  of  both  the  Latin 
and  Greek  languages.  From  Georgia,  he  traveled  to  the  other  states  of 
the  South,  and  lived  for  a  time  in  Texas,  always  engaged  in  the  same 
profession  of  educating  the  young. 


JAMES  T.  GIFFORD’S  LOG  HOUSE. 

In  1835  he  returned  to  the  North,  stopping  in  Cincinnati,  where 
his  sister,  who  had  become  a  member  of  a  community  of  the  Sisters 
of  Charity,  resided.  There  he  learned  with  a  shock  that  his  mother 
and  all  his  brothers  and  sisters  had  become  Catholics,  as  had  also  his 
uncle,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  and  all  of  his  family. 

He  was  shocked,  because  he  had  always  hitherto  entertained 
prejudiced  notions  of  the  Church  of  Rome.  He  began  to  investigate, 
however,  and  in  a  short  time  was  baptized  and  received  into  the  church 
by  Archbishop  Purcell. 

Of  the  eight  children  born  to  his  parents,  Noah  Tyler  and  Abigail 
Barber,  five  devoted  earnest  lives  to  the  faith  they  professed.  Their 
four  daughters,  Rosetta  A.,  Sarah  M.,  Martha  L.,  and  Catherine, 
became  Sisters  of  Charity,  known  in  religion  as  Sisters  Genevieve,  M. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin ,  III. 


87 


DeSales,  Beatrice,  and  Mary  James.  Their  son  William  became  a 
priest,  and  was  afterward  elevated  to  the  see  of  Hartford  as  its  first 
Bishop. 

In  Cincinnati,  Mr.  Tyler  purchased  a  horse,  and  rode  all  the  way 
to  Chicago,  thence  he  came  to  where  Elgin  is  now  located.  He  met 
Mr.  James  T.  Gifford,  as  before  mentioned,  stopped  with  him  for  a 
short  time  and  helped  him  in  the  construction  of  his  log  house. 


THE  RUIN  OF  THE  OLD  HOME  OF  GEORGE  TYLER. 

Being  pleased  with  the  appearance  of  the  place  and  its  environ¬ 
ments  he  determined  to  settle  on  land  in  the  vicinity.  Leaving  Mr. 
Gifford’s  place,  he  crossed  the  river,  traveled  about  two  miles  northward, 
camped  under  a  thorn-apple  tree  beside  the  creek  which  now  bears  his 
name,  and  in  that  neighborhood  marked  his  claim  and  built  a  home. 

The  following  year,  1836,  he  was  pleased  to  welcome  to  the  West 
from  their  old  home  in  New  Hampshire,  his  aged  parents  and  his 
brothers,  Calvin  I.  and  Israel  B.  J.  Tyler,  who  took  tracts  of  land 
adjoining  his  own. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


89 

To  this  place  a  number  of  Irish  families  came  bearing  letters  of 
introduction  from  Bishop  Tyler.  Many  of  these  people  took  land  to 
the  westward,  at  the  place  long  known  as  the  “  Barrens"  or  the  “  Irish 
Settlement.”  There  the  first  Catholic  church  in  the  vicinity  was  built: 
and  much  of  it  was  the  handiwork  of  Israel  Tyler. 

George  and  Calvin  married  young  ladies  of  Rutland  township,  the 
Misses  McCartney,  who  were  sisters. 


JOHN  TYLER. 

At  the  home  of  the  former,  in  1837,  the  first  mass  in  what  was 
later  the  Parish  of  Elgin,  was  said,  the  celebrant  being  Father 
De  St.  Palais. 

Israel  Tyler  died  in  1844.  His  father,  Noah  died  in  1845,  and  the 
mother,  Mrs.  Abigail  Tyler,  died  in  1857.  Their  remains  quietly 
repose  beneath  the  sod  in  the  old  cemetery  near  Gilbert’s,  not  far  from 
where  stood  the  old  “  Barrens’  Church.”  A  stone  erected  to  the 
memory  of  Noah  Tyler  marks  their  resting  place. 


90 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Calvin  Tyler,  with  his  family,  became  residents  of  the  City  of 
Elgin  about  1865,  and  here  remained  until  the  8o’s.  After  the  death  of 
his  wile  he  went  to  California,  and  died  there  in  the  latter  part  of 
October,  1891. 

His  remains  rest  at  Santa  Maria  in  that  State.  Two  of  his  sons 
and  a  daughter,  with  their  families,  still  reside  in  the  community  to 
which  their  father  came  in  his  youth.  Four  sons  followed  their  father 
to  California,  and  a  younger  daughter,  after  her  marriage,  went  with 
her  husband  to  Michigan. 

In  1872  George  Tyler,  with  his  family,  moved  to  Ellis  county, 
Texas,  where  he  remained  about  a  year,  and  thence  went  to  William¬ 
son  county  in  that  state,  and  located  on  a  site  about  three  miles  from 
what  is  now  known  as  the  city  of  Taylor.  He  died  there  December  8, 
1897.  He  was  attended  in  his  last  moments  by  the  Rev.  John  B. 
Murphy,  the  pastor  of  the  parish. 

His  son,  John  Tyler,  is  the  present  owner  of  a  large  tract  of  land 
of  the  old  Tyler  estate  in  Texas.  He  is  a  prosperous  man,  a  devout 
Catholic  and  a  generous  contributor  to  the  temporal  success  of  every 
enterprise  in  his  parish. 

The  venerable  Sister  Mary  DeSales  was  the  last  survivor  of  the 
family  of  Noah  Tyler.  Her  death  occurred  at  St.  Joseph’s  Academy, 
Emitsburg,  Md.,  Aug.  r3,  1899,  in  the  96th  year  of  her  age.  She 
was  long  a  zealous  worker  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  her  memory  is 
revered. 


Pioneers  o  f  the  Parish. 


The  following  is  a  partial  list  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  parish. 
The  years  preceding  their  names  indicate  the  time  of  their  coming. 
The  majority  were  heads  of  families  in  the  years  named. 


1830-1835. 
George  Tyler 

i835-i84°- 


Burke,  Owen 
Farrell,  John,  Sr. 
Farrell,  Jeremiah 
Farrell,  John,  Jr, 
Farrell,  Timothy 
Farrell,  Dennis 
Farrell,  Wm. 
McGrath,  Dennis 
Ryan,  John 


Ryan,  Thos. 

McGrath,  Owen 
McGrath,  Patrick 
O’Brien,  Patrick 
O’Neill,  Daniel  (Big  Dan) 
O’Neil,  Daniel  (Little  Dan) 
Tyler,  Calvrin  I. 

Tyler,  Israel 
Tyler,  Noah 


MR.  OWEN  BURKE. 


Mr.  Owen  Burke  was  among  the  first  settlers  of  Elgin.  He  was 
born  in  County  Limerick,  Ireland.  He  came  to  Elgin  in  1837,  finding 
employment  with  James  T.  Gifford,  the  founder  of  our  city.  Mr. 
Gifford  at  the  time  was  giving  a  building  lot  to  every  machinist  who 
would  build  upon  it,  also  to  every  denomination  that  wished  to  build  a 
church.  Mr.  Burke  was  offered  a  lot,  but  as  he  was  going  to  take  up 
land  himself,  he  could  not  accept  Mr.  Gifford’s  offer,  but  informed 
him  that  he  would  accept  one  upon  which  to  build  a  Catholic  church. 
Mr.  Gifford  said  that  when  he  was  ready  to  build  a  church,  he  would 
give  the  lot. 

When  Father  Feelev  assumed  charge  of  the  parish,  he  learned 
of  Mr.  Gifford’s  offer.  At  this  time,  however,  the  best  lots  were  gone. 
The  Catholics  were  given  the  choice  of  what  was  left.  They 


91 


on 


[.  Mrs.  Owen  Burke, 

2.  Owen  Burke, 

3.  Calvin  I.  Tyler, 

4.  Timothy  Farrell, 

Wm,  Farrell, 

1  1 


!S35-l840. 

6. 

1  • 
8. 

9- 

10. 

Mrs,  Michael  Burk. 


William  McFarland, 
Patrick  O’Brien, 

John  Farrell,  Sr., 
John  Farrell.  Jr  , 
Machiel  Burk, 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


93 


selected  the  one  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Gifford  and  Fulton  streets 
Owen  Burke’s  home  was  the  first  in  which  mass  was  celebrated  in 
the  village  of  Elgin.  Mr.  Burke  at  that  time  owned  the  farm  now 
known  as  the  Mink  farm. 

In  1849  he  moved  to  Rutland  township  and  lived  there  for  over 
forty  years.  He  was  a  zealous  church  member  and  friend  to 
priests  and  sisters  ;  his  home  always  bore  a  warm  welcome  for  them, 
and  for  several  ve irs  they  cime  there  and  felt  that  his  house  was  a 
home  to  them. 

Mrs.  Burke  died  October  22,  1891.  Mr.  Burke  went  to  live  with 
his  daughter  in  Chicago  and  died  there  November  30,  1892.  Three 
children  still  survive  him,  Daniel  Burke  of  Elgin,  Mrs.  Thomas  Adams 
and  Mrs.  Michael  Murphy  of  Chicago. 


1840-1845. 


Burke,  Michael 
Barrett,  Edmund 
Campbell,  Edward 
Campbell,  Wm. 
Campbell,  Edward,  Jr. 
Coughlin,  John 
Carroll,  Richard 
Coleman,  Peter 
Costello,  John 
Dwyer,  Richard 
Dwyer,  John 
Dwyer,  Edward 
Dwyer,  Thomas 
Dooley,  Michael 
Duncan,  Patrick 
Donahue,  Mrs.  Mary 
Devine,  Patrick 
Flynn,  John 
Gleason,  John 
Hennessey,  William 
Hennessey,  Patrick 
Halligan,  Mr. 

Hayden,  Timothy 
Heimmer,  Geo. 


Keating,  Edward 
Keating,  Wm. 

Leddin,  Michael 
Lynch,  Timothy 
Lynch,  Eugene 
Lynch,  William  F. 
Lynch,  David  J. 
Martin,  Patrick 
Martin,  Thos. 

Martin,  John 
Moore,  James 
Moore,  Richard 
McLaughlin,  Wm. 
McLaughlin,  John 
McGrath,  Terence 
McGrath,  John 
McGrath,  Dennis 
McNiney,  Patrick 
McMahon,  Michael 
McCartney,  Arthur 
McCartney,  John 
McCartney,  Arthur,  Jr. 
McCartney,  George 
McCartney,  Edward 


I 


J 

4 

5 


1840-1 

Timothy  Lynch, 

Mrs.  Timothy  Lynch  (1854), 

Mrs.  Daniel  Casey, 

Mrs.  Richard  Dwyer, 

Tames  Regan. 


6.  Mrs.  James  Regan, 

7.  Mrs.  Mary  Donoghue, 

8.  Mrs.  Patrick  Hennessy. 

9.  Eugene  Lynch, 

10.  Edward  Campbell. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


95 


1840-1845. 


O’Brien,  Brvan 
O’Brien,  John  F. 
O’Brien,  Patrick 


Quinlan,  [as. 
Regan,  James 
Tobin,  John 
Tobin,  Pierce 
Tansy,  Martin 
Tyrrell,  Patrick 
Woods,  Patrick 


O’Brien,  Bernard 


O’Brien,  Thos. 
O’Burke,  John 
Quinlan,  Daniel 


TIMOTHY  LYNCH,  SR. 


Timothy  Lynch  was  born  in  December,  1807,  in  the  city  of  Cork, 
Ireland,  where  his  father  was  in  business,  and  his  early  training  was 
along  the  lines  which  he  followed  until  his  death.  When  thirty  years  of 
age  he  came  to  America,  locating  at  Rochester,  New  York,  where  he 
engaged  in  business  until  he  came  to  Elgin  with  his  family,  in  1845. 
The  journey  from  Buffalo  to  Chicago  was  made  by  boat  around  the 
lakes,  and  then  by  emigrant  wagon  to  Elgin,  where  the  family  arrived 
on  the  first  of  September.  The  next  morning  he  went  to  work  on  the 
west  side  mill  race,  and  the  same  winter  worked  on  the  Waverly  House. 
The  following  spring  Mr.  Lynch  started  a  tannery  on  the  west  side, 
but  shortly  afterwards  discontinued  it,  and  engaged  in  general  mer¬ 
chandising,  which  business  in  a  few  years  he  made  one  of  the  most 
successful  in  Elgin. 

Mr.  Lynch  was  a  public-spirited  citizen,  always  forward  in  any 
progressive  movement.  When  the  civil  war  broke  out  in  1861,  he  con 
tributed  liberally  to  the  Union  cause. 

Always  a  practical  Catholic,  in  the  church  he  was  a  zealous 
worker  and  liberal  giver.  He  was  widely  known  among  the  Catholic 
clergy,  many  of  whom  made  his  home  their  headquarters  when  in  the 
vicinity,  and  frequently  celebrated  mass  there  before  the  building  of  the 
church. 

Honored  and  respected  in  the  community,  he  died  November  20, 
1872,  with  all  the  blessings  of  the  church. 


EUGENE  LYNCH. 


Eugene  Lynch,  the  eldest  son  of  Timothy  Lynch,  was  born  in 
Cork,  Ireland,  June  3,  1833.  In  1838  with  his  parents  he  came  to 
America  and  finally  with  them  and  the  rest  of  their  family  to  Elgin 
where  all  settled  in  1845. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


96 


Sharing  the  responsibilities  for  the  support  of  the  family  with  his 
father,  the  aid  rendered  helped  not  a  little  to  secure  for  the  latter  the 
firm  business  foothold  he  soon  afterward  obtained. 

In  early  manhood  Mr.  Lynch  married  a  Miss  Holland  and  began 
business  for  himself  at  Clintonville. 


j  840-1845. 

1.  Mrs.  Arihur  McCartney,  4.  John  F.  O’Brien, 

2.  Mrs.  John  McCartney,  5.  Mrs.  John  Gleason, 

3.  John  McCartney,  "  6.  Mrs.  James  McLaughlin, 

7.  James  McLaughlin. 


His  young  wife  with  her  child  died  soon  after  he  went  to  Clinton¬ 
ville,  and  he  then  returned  to  Elgin  and  continued  in  business  with  his 
father  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion,  when  like  his  brothers  he 
gave  his  services  in  defense  of  the  Union. 

On  November  4,  1867,  he  was  married  at  Torrington,  Litchfield 
County,  Conn.,  to  Miss  Margaret  Batters,  and  again  engaged  in  business 
in  Elgin,  which  he  conducted  successfully  and  with  satisfaction  to  his 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


97 


patrons  until  he  retired  with  a  competency  in  1898  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  his  son,  Timothy  J.  Lynch. 

During  Mr.  Lynch’s  long  residence  in  Elgin  he  was  well  and  fav¬ 
orably  known,  his  original  jokes  and  droll  expressions  were  always  a 
source  of  pleasure  to  his  friends  and  companions  who  thought  a  group 
for  pleasure  was  incomplete  without  the  presence  of  “the  deacon.” 

Mr.  Lynch  served  several  terms  as  a  member  of  the  city  council 
from  the  ward  in  which  he  resided. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1902,  in  the  apartments  of  the  veterans  of 
the  Grand  Army,  an  organization  Mr.  Lynch  felt  proud  to  be  a  member 
of,  he  suffered  a  stroke  of  paralysis  which  ultimately  resulted  in  his 
death,  June  26,  1902.  His  funeral  services  were  held  at  St.  Mary’s 
Church  from  whence  his  remains  were  conducted  with  military  honors 
to  the  Bluff  City  cemetery,  where  they  repose  in  the  family  lot  beside 
those  of  his  son,  Timothy  J.  Lynch. 


i845-i85°- 


Beegan,  Patrick 
Burke,  Michael 
Connor,  John 
Connor,  Terrence 
Connor,  Michael 
Collin'S,  Patrick 
Coyle,  John 
Coyle,  John,  Jr. 
Coyle,  James 
Costello,  Patrick 
Callahan,  C. 
Carroll,  Michael 
Casey,  Daniel 
Clinnin,  John 
Duhy,  James 
Duhy,  John 
Duhy,  Matt. 

Daly,  Patrick 
Donovan,  Dinnis 
Donahoe,  John 
Donahoe,  Patrick 
Dougherty,  John 


Dougherty,  Edmund 
Dunlea,  John 
Egan,  Wm. 

Forkins,  Martin 
Fitzgerald,  James 
Fitzgerald,  Jas.  (Rutland). 
Flinn,  Daniel 
Freeman,  Patrick 
Freeman,  Michael 
Freeman,  James 
Freeman,  Nicholas 
Freil,  James 
Frisby,  Patrick 
Gahan,  Daniel 
Gubbins,  James 
Gubbins,  Joseph  Ryan 
Gubbins,  Joseph  V. 
Gubbins,  William 
Gubbins,  George 
Gubbins,  J.  Maddin 
Gubbins,  Robt. 

Gallagan,  John 


i845-i85°- 

1.  Daniel  Gahan, 

2.  Mrs.  Daniel  Gahan, 

3.  Mrs.  Stafford  McOsker, 

4.  Stafford  McOsker, 

5.  Patrick  Mann, 

it.  Mrs.  Patrick 


6.  Mrs.  Patrick  Mann, 

7.  Terrence  Connor, 

8.  Mrs.  Terrence  Connor  (1845), 

9.  Bernard  Healy, 

10.  Patrick  O’Flaherty, 

O’Flaherty. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


99 


i845~i85°- 


Healy,  Bernard 
Hayes,  Edward 
Hayes,  John 
Hayes,  David,  Sr. 

Hayes,  David,  Jr. 

Hayes,  Edward 
Heelan,  John 
Heelan,  Philip 
Heelan,  Wm. 

Haves,  Wm. 

Hennessey,  James 
Hogan,  James 
Kelley,  John 
Kelley,  Mrs.  Mary 
Kelley,  John 
Kelley,  Timothy 
Kelley,  Richard 
Keating,  Patrick 
Keating,  Edward 
Keating,  John 
Keating,  Patrick,  Jr. 

Keating,  - (Hoosier  Grove.) 

Keogh,  Richard 
Keyes,  James 
Kiley,  Patrick 
Kane,  Jas. 

Lafever, - 

Larkin,  Timothy 
Long,  Thomas 
McCall,  A.  C. 

McOsker,  Stafford 
McElroy,  James 
McNamara,  William 
Meehan,  John,  Sr. 

Meehan,  John,  Jr. 

Mann,  Edward 
Mann,  Patrick 


Mann,  Thomas 
Mann,  John 
Mann,  Michael 
Martin,  John 
Mahoney,  Dennis 
Mahoney,  Jeremiah 
Murphy,  John  (Long  John) 
Murphy,  John  (Short  John) 
Murphy,  Cornelius 
Murphy,  Patrick 
Murphy,  Jeremiah 
Murray,  Patrick 
McFarland,  Wm. 

McGrath,  Daniel 
McGrath,  John 
McGrath,  James 
McGrath,  David 
McGrath,  Thos. 

Meagher,  Edward 
Meagher,  Patrick 
Mockiey,  Michael 
Mockley,  John 
Needham,  Martin 
Nolan,  John 
O’Flaherty,  Patrick 
O’Kane,  John 
O’Leary,  Timothy 
Powers,  James 
Powers,  John 
Powers,  Martin 
Powers,  Maurice 
Powers,  Thomas 
Powers,  Patrick 
Ponsonby,  Patrick 
Regan,  James 
Rice,  Wm. 

Roach,  John 


1845-1850. 

Mrs.  David  Hayes. 

6. 

Mrs.  John  Clinnin, 

David  Hayes. 

7- 

John  Keating, 

Martin  Strausel, 

8. 

Michael  Solon, 

Mrs.  Martin  Strause], 

9- 

Mrs.  Michael  Carroll, 

John  Clinnin, 

i 

10. 

1.  John  Roach. 

John  Galligan, 

St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


101 


i845-i85°- 


Rourke,  Daniel 
Rourke,  James 
Rourke,  Patrick 
Ryan,  John 
Ryan,  Terrence 
Sheedy,  John 
Scanlan,  James 
Scanlan,  Patrick 
Scanlan,  Wm. 
Scanlan,  John 
Scanlan,  Johnnie 
Shea,  James 
Shea,  John 
Shea,  Daniel 
Shea,  Martin 
Straussel,  Martin 
Solon,  Michael 
Stanton,  John 


Stanton,  Michael 
Tyrrell,  Pierce 
Tyrrell,  John 
Tyrrell,  Mrs.  B. 
Tyrrell,  Patrick 
Tierney,  James 
Vaughan,  M. 
Wallace,  Edward 
Wallace,  Patrick 
Wallace,  John 
Wallace,  John,  Jr. 
Wallace,  Thos. 
Wallace,  Wm. 
Wallace,  Patrick 
Wallace,  Michael 
Welch,  Michael 
Welch,  William 
Welch,  James 


BERNARD  HEALY. 

The  late  Bernard  Healy  may  well  be  enumerated  among  the  very  old 
settlers  of  Elgin.  Coming  to  the  “village  ”  of  Elgin,  as  it  was  called, 
in  1842,  he  materially  aided  the  old  Catholic  settlers  of  the  “village 
and  its  vicinity  in  the  establishment  of  a  Catholic  congregation  in  Elgin 
with  a  resident  priest.  Mr.  Healy  was  born  in  the  vicinity  of  Dublin, 
the  capital  of  Ireland,  and  when  a  youth,  went  to  reside  in  the  city  of 
Manchester,  England,  where  he  spent  very  many  of  his  years.  In 
Manchester  he  learned  the  trade  of  saddle  and  harness  making,  and 
he  eventually  became  President  of  the  Saddle  and  Harness  Makers’  Guild, 
or,  as  we  would  now  call  it,  “  union  ”  of  that  great  manufacturing  city. 

On  coming  to  Elgin,  Mr.  Healy  very  soon  entered  the  business  of 
manufacturing  harness  in  a  frame  building  on  Chicago  street,  and 
from  the  start  did  a  thriving  trade.  He  employed  a  number  of 
workmen  in  his  business,  and  was  always  spoken  of  as  a  model 
employer.  During  his  residence  in  England  he  had  been  much 
interested  in  Sunday  school  teaching,  and  in  lecture  courses,  debating 
societies,  and  kindred  adjuncts  to  Catholic  church  work  by  means  of 


102 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


which  the  Catholic  movement  in  that  country  had  attained  vast  pro¬ 
portions.  He  had  also,  during  his  residence  in  England,  become 
attached  to  the  economic  and  political  views  of  the  Chartist  organization, 
whose  contention  was  based  on  the  propriety  and  reasonableness  of 
the  recovery  by  the  English  people  of  many  constitutional  rights  that 
had  been  filched  from  them  by  the  governing  classes  of  that  country. 
His  adhesion  to  this  school  of  political  thought  in  England  made  Mr. 
Healy  an  uncompromising  advocate  of  the  rights  of  man  everywhere. 
In  the  advocacy  of  his  belief  in  any  subject,  he  used  terse,  plain  and 
straightforward  words,  and  in  all  matters  of  business,  as  well  as  of 
principle,  he  was  open  and  consistent  both  in  word  and  in  act. 

A  self-made  man,  he  prized  eudeation  above  everything  else.  He 
was  a  patron  and  friend  of  the  University  of  Notre  Dame,  Indiana,  and 
regarded  that  famous  institution  with  the  highest  esteem. 

Some  years  ago,  Mr.  Healy  with  a  few  others,  made  an  earnest 
effort  to  secure  for  the  Catholics  of  Elgin  a  cemetery  of  their  own,  but 
the  effort  failed  owing  to  circumstances.  Its  failure  is  now  to  be  much 
regretted,  owing  to  the  constantly  increasing  difficulty  of  obtaining 
suitable  and  accessible  cemetery  grounds  in  the  vicinity  of  Elgin. 

Bernard  Healy  died  in  Elgin  in  1896,  being  perhaps  at  the  time 
of  his  death  the  very  last  of  the  old  business  men  of  Elgin  who  were 
his  associates  when  it  was  a  little  country  mart.  He  had  seen  great 
changes  from  the  time  that  he  came  to  the  little  hamlet  until  he  died 
in  the  vigorous  and  growing  city;  but  to  the  end  he  remained  the  same 
straightforward,  honest  and  truthful  man,  never  varying  from  his  path 
of  duty  as  he  saw  it  in  life. 

THOMAS  O’CONNELL. 

In  the  year  1847  Mr.  Thomas  O’Connell  came  to  Elgin,  and  as  he 
had  received  an  academic  education  in  Ireland  before  coming  to 
America,  very  soon  found  that  the  Elgin  of  that  day  was  but  a  sorry 
place  for  a  scholar,  and  a  scholar  of  the  academic  order  at  that.  Mr. 
O’Connell  then  settled  at  Gilbert’s,  and  to  him  may  with  truth  be  awarded 
the  distinction  of  teaching  the  first  Catholic  school  in  this  vicinity,  and 
it  is  more  than  likely  the  first  Catholic  school  in  Kane  and  the  counties 
adjoining,  save  Cook.  After  teaching  the  Gilbert’s  school  for  some 
time,  Mr.  O’Connell  became  connected  with  the  Galena  and  Chicago 
Union  railway,  on  its  advent  to  Gilbert’s,  and  after  filling  the  office  of 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


1 03 


station  agent  for  some  time,  followed  the  road  in  its  building  and 
in  various  capacities  until  it  reached  Galena.  After  filling  the 
office  of  station  agent  at  Galena,  Mr.  O’Connell  returned  to  his  old 
home  in  Gilbert’s,  at  which  place  he  died  in  1861.  He  was  an 
educated  man  and  a  good  man.  His  demise,  which  was  rather  sudden, 
was  very  sincerely  regretted  by  the  people  of  Rutland.  John 
O’Connell,  the  well-known  tobacconist  of  Elgin,  is  a  son  of  the  deceased. 

STAFFORD  McOSKER. 

Stafford  McOsker,  during  his  lifetime  one  of  the  best  known  and 
best  esteemed  citizens  and  business  men  of  Elgin  for  years,  moved  to 
the  village  of  Elgin  in  1848,  from  the  vicinity  of  Rhinebeck,  Dutchess 
County,  New  York.  He  left  behind  one  of  the  loveliest  parts  of  the 
ever  lovely  Hudson  River  country  to  settle  in  a  land  of  promise,  invit¬ 
ing  in  appearance,  but  of  undeveloped  beauty  ;  but  he  lived  to  see  and 
to  take  part  in  that  development,  and  to  behold  the  little  village  to  which 
he  came  in  the  early  forties  become  a  thriving  and  prosperous  city. 

Stafford  McOsker  was  a  native  of  the  County  Derry,  Ireland,  and 
was  bom  in  1821.  At  a  very  early  age  he  came  to  the  United  States, 
and  first  lived  for  a  time  at  Brooklyn,  New  York;  from  whence  moving 
to  near  Rhinebeck,  Dutchess  County,  in  the  same  state,  where  he 
resided  for  a  considerable  period.  He  thence  moved  to  the  City  of 
Paterson,  New  Jersey,  in  which,  even  then  a  lively  city,  he  established 
a  merchant  tailoring  business,  there  continuing  until  1848,  when,  as 
stated,  he  came  to  Elgin,  where  he  at  once  reentered  the  merchant 
tailoring  trade.  In  this  he  prospered,  and  in  this  continued  up  to  and 
until  a  very  short  time  before  his  death. 

Mr.  McOsker  was  all  his  life  a  man  of  very  extensive  reading  and 
a  lover  of  literature.  He  was  what  may  be  well  called  a  self-made 
scholar.  His  acquaintance  with  English  literature  was  very  extensive, 
and  he  exhibited  a  versitality  of  knowledge  that  showed  him  to  have  a 
mind  well  stored  with  the  fruits  of  study  and  of  research.  He  loved  to 
quote  in  conversation  from  his  favorite  authors,  and  he  had  what  one 
might  call  a  personal  fondness  for  writers  who  “hold  the  mirror  up  to 
nature,”  as  for  Shakepeare,  and  for  those  of  deep  analytical  thought 
on  philosophical,  moral  and  religious  subjects.  He  had  also  in  his 
youth  read  medicine  quite  extensively  as  a  student ;  and  while  it  existed 
in  Elgin,  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  Young  Men’s  Association,  the 


104 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


first  literary  society  in  the  city,  and  one  that  in  its  time  had  as  its 
members  the  best  talent  in  Elgin. 

Mr.  McOsker  was  a  most  energetic  business  man.  His  trade  all 
over  Kane  County  was  very  large,  and  his  reputation  as  an  honorable 
man  made  him  a  name  well  known  all  over  this  vicinity.  He  was  a 
faithful  and  prominent  member  of  St.  Mary’s  congregation  during  his 
long  residence  in  this  city,  and  in  every  movement  connected  with  its 
advancement  he  was  an  actor,  and  a  generous  and  an  earnest  one  at 
that.  His  death  occurred  in  1874,  from  paralysis.  He  had  received  a 
stroke  of  the  dread  warning  the  previous  year,  which  had  caused  him  to 
resign  business,  but  he  bore  the  visitation  with  Christian  resigna¬ 
tion  and  with  sincere  Christian  patience.  He  died  as  he  had  lived,  a 
Christian  man  at  peace  with  all  the  world  and  with  a  firm  reliance  on 
the  goodness  and  mercy  of  God. 

Hundreds  of  friends  followed  him  to  his  last  resting  place,  and 
many  to  this  day  mention  Mac’s  ”  genial  and  friendly  ways  as  those  of 
a  true  friend,  and  of  a  good  neighbor  and  spirited  citizen. 

PATRICK  MANN. 

Patrick  Mann,  who  is  now  nearly  eighty-eight  years  of  age,  came 
to  Elgin  from  his  native  home,  in  County  West  Meath,  Ireland,  in  April, 
1850,  and  has  ever  since  been  a  resident  of  Elgin.  He  came,  as  many 
have  since  come,  with  no  money  or  other  riches  than  a  brave  heart  and  a 
willing  hand.  He  was  always  industrious  and  frugal,  and  in  the  years 
of  his  active  business  life,  he  acquired  considerable  property,  and  now 
lives  in  peace  and  comfort.  For  the  first  year  after  coming  to  Elgin, 
he  worked  at  odd  jobs.  Then  in  April,  1851,  he  secured  employment 
with  Augustus  Adams  and  Joseph  Phelps,  who  were  running  a  foundry 
and  machine  shop,  at  which  employment  he  remained  for  five  years. 
He  then  went  into  partnership  with  his  brother,  Michael  Mann,  in  the 
grocery  business,  in  the  frame  building  which  used  to  stand  near  the 
railroad  on  Chicago  Street,  and  which  was  torn  down  to  make  way  for 
the  present  News  Advocate  Building. 

He  continued  in  partnership  with  Michael  for  a  couple  of  years, 
when  he  became  sole  owner  of  the  business.  He  continued  at  the 
same  place  until  he  retired  from  business  in  1876. 

In  August,  1856,  he  married  Ellen  Donovan,  who  was  a  native  of 
County  of  Cork,  Ireland.  She  was  a  sister  of  Dennis  Donovan,  who 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 


1845-1850. 


Mrs.  Richard  Keogh,  6. 

Richard  Keogh,  7. 

Mrs.  William  Rice,  8. 

Mrs.  Mary  Kelley,  9. 

Mrs.  Patrick  Meagher,  10. 


11.  Mrs.  John  Connor. 


Mrs.  James  McElroy, 
Dr.  James  McElroy, 
Mrs.  John  Powers, 

Mrs.  David  Hayes,  Jr., 
David  Hayes,  Jr. 


1 06 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


for  many  years  prior  to  his  death  was  a  well-to-do  farmer  of  Rutland, 
in  this  county.  Mrs.  Mann  died  in  August,  1869.  Four  children  were 
born  to  them  :  John  P.,  a  practicing  attorney  of  Elgin  and  a  member 
of  the  well-known  law  firm  of  Fisher  &  Mann;  Jeremiah  J  ,  who  was 
for  several  years  in  the  furniture  business  and  later  in  the  express  busi¬ 
ness  in  Elgin,  dying  January  23,  1895;  Cecelia,  now  wife  of  Will  C. 
Higgins,  who  resides  with  her  father;  and  Edward  F.  Mann,  the  well- 
known  plumber  of  Elgin. 

DR.  JAMES  McELROY. 

Dr.  James  McElroy  was  born  in  the  parish  of  Rahue,  County 
West  Meath,  Ireland,  December  3,  1814,  a  son  of  Terrence  and  Eliza¬ 
beth  (Cody)  McElroy. 

Dr.  McElroy,  acquired  a  literary  education  in  his  native  land,  and 
studied  pharmacy  in  Dublin  and  there  graduated  in  1836. 

After  a  successful  practice  of  a  few  years  as  D.  V.  S.,  in  Ireland, 
he  came  to  America  in  1840.  Before  leaving  the  land  of  his  nativity 
he  was  fortunate  in  gaining  the  heart  and  hand  of  one  of  its  daughters. 
Miss  Elizabeth  Smith,  who  ever  afterward  proved  a  loving  companion, 
a  willing  helpmate,  a  fond  wife  and  mother  and  a  truly  Christian 
woman. 

After  arrival  in  the  United  States,  Dr.  McElroy  settled  for  a  time 
in  New  York,  but  came  West  in  1844,  since  which  time  Elgin  has  been 
his  home  address,  although  he  has  spent  some  time  in  other  places, 
being  in  the  employ  of  Frink  &  Walker,  and  Moore  &  Davis  of  Mil¬ 
waukee,  who  owned  or  controlled  many  of  the  stage  lines  in  northern 
Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin  in  early  days. 

Although  nearly  four  score  and  ten  years  of  age,  Dr.  McElroy  is 
hale  and  hearty,  and  his  ruddy,  cheerful  face  can  be  seen  as  he  passes 
on  our  streets  among  his  host  of  friends,  still  attending  to  business. 

JOHN  MEEHAN. 

The  likeness  of  the  late  John  Meehan,  which  will  be  found  among 
the  photographs  of  the  parishioners  of  St.  Mary  s  parish,  will  recall  to 
many  the  features  of  a  well-known  and  highly  respected  citizen  of 
Elgin.  He  had  lived  in  Elgin  from  his  early  manhood  to  a  ripe  and 
honored  old  age,  and  it  may  with  truth  be  asserted  that  none  of  the 


1845-185°- 


I. 

Mrs.  Edward  Meagher, 

6. 

Mrs.  John  Hayes  (1864), 

2 

Edward  Meagher, 

7- 

Mrs.  James  Powers, 

3- 

John  Hayes, 

8. 

Mrs.  John  Meehan, 

4- 

Patrick  Collins, 

9- 

Patrick  D.  Hayes, 

5- 

John  Meehan, 

10. 

Patrick  Tyrrell, 

1 1  .  Mrs.  William  Egan. 


108 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


inhabitants  of  the  city  were  better  known,  especially  among  the  older 
people,  than  the  subject  of  this  little  memoir.  His  death,  which  occured 
in  April,  1899,  was  sincerely  regretted  by  an  exceptionally  large  class 
of  friends  and  acquaintances,  for  they  had  known  him  for  many  years  as 
a  man  of  sterling  worth  and  high  integrity. 

Owing  to  his  active  habits  in  life,  he  had  from  a  very  early  period 
in  the  history  of  Elgin,  and  up  to  the  very  time  of  his  death,  been  a 
familiar  figure  on  the  streets  and  thus  had  been  in  daily  intercourse 
with  our  people,  by  all  of  whom  he  had  ever  been  held  as  a  person  of 
the  most  friendly  impulses. 

Coming  to  Elgin  at  an  -early  date,  when  the  Catholic  parish  was 
yet  in  what  may  be  well  styled  an  inchoate  condition,  John  Meehan, 
from  that  time  to  almost  the  day  he  died,  was  in  very  truth  a  devoted 
Christian.  The  writer  feels  that  it  is  but  truth  to  say  that  in  all  these 
long  years,  none  who  have  worshipped  at  St.  Mary’s  shrine  excelled 
him  in  the  performance  of  his  religious  obligations.  He  was,  in  fact, 
a  Christian  man  in  act  as  well  as  in  profession. 

Mr.  Meehan  was  a  native  of  and  had  before  coming  to  America 
been  in  business  in  the  City  of  Limerick,  Ireland.  He  came  to  Elgin 
in  1850,  and  at  first  for  a  short  period  resided  on  the  west  side. 
While  so  residing  he  erected  the  frame  store  which  yet  stands  on  the 
northeast  corner  of  Douglas  and  Dexter  avenues,  it  being  thought 
at  that  time  that  the  depot  for  the  railway  just  entering  Elgin  would  attract 
the  trade  of  the  village  to  the  locality  named.  In  this  location  Mr.  Meehan 
for  some  years  did  business  in  the  clothing  line,  but  it  becoming  evident 
after  a  while  that  trade  would  still  adhere  to  Chicago  street,  Mr.  Meehan 
purchased  the  site  for  and  erected  thereon  the  brick  block  just  west  of 
the  railway  crossing  on  Chicago  street,  recently  removed  to  make  way 
for  the  new  block  by  Mr.  M.  Tobin.  At  the  time  that  Mr. 
Meehan  built  the  old  structure  it  was  thought  to  be,  and  it  was, 
quite  an  addition  to  Chicago  street,  and  in  it  he  for  many  years, 
and  up  to  his  final  retirement  from  trade,  still  continued  in  the  clothing 
business,  having  both  a  large  town  and  country  trade  in  the  same. 
Being  a  man  of  excellent  business  foresight,  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
afterward  erected  another  business  edifice  on  Chicago  street,  near  the 
bridge,  and  during  all  the  time  that  he  lived  in  Elgin  his  highest  grati¬ 
fication  was  to  see  it  steadily  and  surely  improve.  During  all  the  years 
of  his  life  in  Elgin  he  was  not  known  to  have  ever  quarreled  with  a 


i845-i^5°- 


Mrs.  Edward  Mann, 

6. 

Mrs.  James  Scanlan  (  Rutland) 

Edward  Mann, 

7- 

Mrs.  Patrick  Daly. 

John  Duhy, 

8. 

Patrick  Daly, 

Mrs.  Martin  Forkin, 

9- 

Martn  Needham, 

Martin  Forkin, 

1  o. 

Richard  Welch, 

II.  Mrs.  Richard  Welch. 


110 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


single  individual,  for  he  looked  over  the  faults  or  the  follies  of  others 
and  withal  he  was  a  man  of  a  lively  and  joyous  disposition,  kind  and 
true  to  his  friends.  In  business  his  name  stood  for  the  strictest  integ¬ 
rity,  and  he  lived  to  a  vigorous  old  age  among  people  who  had 
known  him  for  decades  of  years  as  a  good  man,  who  during  a  long  life 
was  mindful  of  his  duties  as  a  Christian  and  as  a  citizen.  His  memory 
will  not  cease  to  be  cherished  by  many  in  Elgin  while  they  can  call  to 
mind  the  cheery  ways  and  the  true  friendship  of  this  long  time  friend 
and  faithful  attendant  at  St.  Mary’s  Church. 

DANIEL  GAHAN. 

One  of  the  few  pioneers  of  St.  Mary’s  parish  yet  with  us,  who  is  as 
interested  in  its  welfare,  if  not  so  active  as  in  other  days,  is  Daniel 
Gahan.  He  is,  perhaps,  the  last  survivor  of  the  many  old  parishioners, 
who  when  conveyances  were  not  available,  often  on  a  Sunday  walked  to 
the  “  Barrens  Church  ”  to  attend  mass  before  there  was  a  Catholic 
church  in  Elgin.  Difficulties  but  sharpened  the  sense  of  duty  of  many 
of  those  early  comers  who  lost  no  opportunity  to  evince  and  establish 
the  faith  they  prized  more  than  comfort  or  life,  and  to  arrange  for  its 
maintenance  and  transmission. 

Mr.  Gahan  was  born  March  5,  1824,  in  the  parish  of  Bagnalstown, 
County  Carlow,  Ireland,  and  there  lived  on  his  father’s  farm  until  the 
early  spring  of  1848,  when  he  came  to  America.  He  first  stopped  for 
a  time  in  Westmoreland  Co.,  Penn.,  and  there  acquired  a  knowledge  of 
the  tanning  business. 

In  1849  he  came  West,  and  after  a  short  stay  in  Chicago  moved 
to  Elgin,  which  has  since  been  his  home. 

His  first  work  in  this  vicinity  was  in  the  woods  getting  out  material 
for  the  Galena  &  Chicago  Union  R.  R.,  then  in  course  of  construction 
through  the  place.  The  venture  was  unprofitable  as  the  contractor  left 
for  parts  unknown  about  the  time  the  work  was  completed,  leaving  his 
workmen  only  their  experience  for  their  efforts. 

Soon  Mr.  Gahan  found  employment  in  the  large  tannery  that  was 
located  where  is  now  the  main  plant  in  Elgin  of  the  Borden  Milk  Con¬ 
densing  Co.  After  working  there  a  short  time  he  was  appointed  fore¬ 
man  of  the  tanning  department,  a  position  he  held  until  1865,  when 
with  L.  H.  Delmarle,  under  the  firm  name  of  Gahan  &  Delmarle,  he 
established  the  Fox  River  Tannery  at  the  west  end  of  the  Chicago  St. 


1 . 

James  Quinn, 

1850-1855. 

- 

Mrs.  James  Doran, 

2 

Mrs.  James  Quinn, 

8. 

Charles  Danner, 

3‘ 

Mrs.  Bernard  Can  nan 

( '838)1 

9- 

Mrs.  Charles  Danner, 

4- 

Bernard  Cannan, 

10. 

Richard  Long, 

5- 

Bernard  Lynn, 

1  1 . 

Mrs.  Matthias  Drennan 

6. 

Mrs.  Bernard  Lynn, 

i  2. 

Matthias  Drennan. 

112 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


bridge.  From  the  first  the  firm  did  a  large  and  profitable  business, 
both  wholesale  and  retail,  in  leather,  hides,  pelts,  shoe-findings,  etc. 

After  a  few  years  Mr.  Delmarle  withdrew  and  his  interest  in  the 
business  was  assumed  by  Mr.  F.  J.  Hutchinson  (a  brother-in-law  to  the 
senior  partner),  the  firm  now  becoming  Gahan  &  Hutchinson. 

With  increasing  business  the  new  firm  soon  were  obliged  to  move 
their  tannery  to  Clintonville.  The  firm  at  this  time  also  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  in  the  unoccupied  portion  of  their  store 
building  in  West  Chicago  St.,  where  they  continued  in  business  until  the 
late  ’70s,  when  they  sold  their  business  site  to  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
&  St.  Paul  Railroad  Co.  for  yard  and  depot  purposes.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  then  withdrew  from  the  business.  Since  that  time  he  has 
engaged  in  insurance  and  other  agencies,  and  has  served  the  public  in 
the  capacity  of  justice  of  the  peace  several  terms. 

Today,  though  much  beyond  the  allotted  time  of  human  life,  he  is 
hale  and  hearty,  and  possesses  the  same  genial  disposition  so  charac¬ 
teristic  of  him  earlier  in  life. 

In  1851  Mr.  Gahan  was  married  at  Blairsville,  Penn.,  to  Miss 
Mary  Hutchinson,  whose  life  as  a  devoted  Christian,  wife  and  mother 
terminated  December  31,  1888. 


1850-1855. 


Barrett,  James 
Boyle,  Dominick 
Bowland,  John 
Burke,  Wm. 

Byron,  John 
Bradley,  Michael 
Burns,  John 
Burns,  Hugh 
Burns,  Adam 
Barry,  Joseph 
Bannon,  Bernard 
Caldwell,  James  J. 
Carroll,  Larry 
Connery,  Thomas 
Connery,  Thos. 
Connery,  Michael 
•Connery,  Richard 


Connery,  John 
Cassidy,  James 
Collins, Wm. 

Clifford,  Thomas 
Connor,  James 
Collins,  Edward 
Casey,  Timothy 
Collins,  David 
Camphin,  Edward 
Camphin,  John 
Camphin,  Michael 
Camphin,  Daniel 
Cotter,  Wm. 

Casey,  James 
Cummings,  Thomas 
Costigan,  Martin 
Campbell,  Thomas 


1850-1855- 


I. 

Mrs.  Eugene  O’Reilly, 

7- 

Mrs.  Thomas  Gahan 

2. 

Mrs.  Margaret  Clifford, 

8. 

Thomas  Gahan, 

3- 

Mrs.  Bridgit  Ryan, 

9- 

F.  J.  Hutchinson, 

4- 

Jeremiah  Ryan, 

10. 

James  Connor, 

5- 

Mrs.  Jeremiah  Ryan, 

1 1. 

James  Galligan, 

6. 

Mrs.  Richard  Hutchinson, 

12. 

Matthew  O’Neil. 

114 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


1850-1855. 


Cannon,  B. 

Collins,  Michael 
Cullen,  Dennis 
Dunne,  Wm. 

Danner,  Charles 
Drannan,  Thos. 
Drennan,  Wm. 
Drennan,  Matt. 

Dunn,  Owen 
Dennis,  Alex. 

Dorsey,  Thomas 
Dorsey,  Michael 
Dadey,  Dennis 
Duggan,  Jeremiah 
Dooley,  Michael 
Doran,  James 
Daley,  John 
Driscoll,  John 
Flannigan,  Patrick 
Fleming,  David 
Fitzgerald,  Patrick 
Foggerty,  Joseph 
Feery,  Michael 
Feery,  James 
Foggerty,  Patrick 
Frisby,  Patrick 
Fordrescher,  Joseph 
Fordrescher,  Simon 
Fordrescher,  John 
Fitzsimmons,  Patrick 
Gahan,  Thomas 
Grady,  Michael 
Gannon,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
Gilmartin,  Daniel 
Gleason,  Dennis 
Gaffney,  Patrick 
Galligan,  James 


Gahagan,  Lawrence 
Gabbit,  Michael 
Garry,  Michael 
Garvy,  David 
Garvy,  John 
Gowrey,  John 
Hutchinson,  Mrs.  Richard 
Hutchinson,  John  F. 
Hutchinson,  F.  J. 
Hutchinson,  James 
Hutchinson,  Joseph 
Hogan,  John 
Hines,  Peter 
Harrington,  Wm. 
Harrington,  Edward 
Hannigan.  James 
Hand,  Patrick 
Haley,  Patrick 
Hassett,  John 
Higgins,  Wm. 

Hopkins,  Matt. 

Houlihan,  Edward 
Hayes,  Patrick 
Heslin,  Thos. 

Horgan,  Daniel 
Hogan,  Michael 
Hyde,  Nicholas 
Horgan,  John  O.  G. 
Kennedy,  Jas. 

Kennedy,  Wm. 

Kinkead,  Jas. 

Knowles,  Patrick 
Knowles,  Matt. 

Kinney, Bryan 
Kelley,  John 
Kean,  Bryan 
Kelley,  Owen 


iS5° 

1.  Patrick  Fitzsimmons, 

2.  Mrs.  Patrick  Fitzsimmons, 

3.  Mrs  Michael  Grady, 

4.  Michael  Grady, 

5.  Mrs.  John  Ryan, 


6.  John  Ryan, 

7.  Mrs.  Margaret  l  ong, 

8.  Dennis  Dailey, 

9.  Mrs.  Andrew  Masterson, 
10.  Mrs.  Patrick  Handley. 


116 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


1850-1855. 


Kitzen,  Michael 
Kane,  Andrew 
Kelley,  Andrew 
Kramer,  N. 

Kinney,  Simon 
Kavanaugh,  Peter 
Larkin,  Patrick 
Linnahan,  John 
Lynn,  Bernard 
Logan,  Owen 
Long,  Richard 
Little,  Peter 
Little,  Lewis 
Little,  Edward 
Little,  Joseph 
Long,  John 
Lynch,  Mrs.  Ann 
Lawlor,  John 
Lawlor,  Patrick 
Mann,  Jas. 

Morney, - 

McGuire,  Joseph 
McDonnell,  Wm. 
McGrath,  Joseph 
McCarthy,  Michael 
McCormick,  Edward 
McMahon,  Michael 
McCormick,  Patrick 
Masterson,  Andrew 
Moran,  Martin 
Maher,  Martin 
Miller,  Joseph 
Maher,  Thomas 
Maher,  Michael 
Manning,  Philip 
Murphy,  Michael 
Murphy,  Philip 


Murray,  Michael 
Nolan,  Patrick 
Nolan,  James 
O’Brien,  Philip 
O’Laughlin.  J.  P. 
O’Neil,  Matt. 
O’Neil,  Philip 
O’Neil,  Joseph 
O’Neil,  Dennis 
O’Donnell,  Wm. 
O’Reillv,  Mrs.  E. 
O’Connell,  Thomas 
O’Neil,  Daniel 
O’Connor,  Jeremiah 
Provost,  Joseph 
Pabst,  Joseph 
Pabst,  Martin 
Phalen,  Daniel 
Phalen,  Patrick 
Phalen,  John 
Quinn,  James 
Ryan,  “  Johnnie  ” 
Ryan,  Jeremiah 
Ryan,  John 
Rafferty,  Patrick 
Rafferty,  John 
Riley,  Wm. 

Regan,  Michael 
Russell,  Dennis 
Ryan,  Edmond 
Ryan,  Timothy 
Roche,  Wm. 

Roche,  Michael 
Roche,  John 

Roche,  James 
Tyrell,  Mrs.  David 
Rice,  Wm. 


1 85 

1.  Patrick  Knowles, 

2.  Mrs.  Patrick  Knowles, 

3.  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Gannon, 

4.  Joseph  Miller, 

5.  Mrs.  Joseph  Miller, 


-1855. 

6.  Mrs.  David  Tyrrell, 

7.  Mrs.  Wm.  Drennan, 

8.  Joseph  Pabst, 

9.  Mrs.  Joseph  Pabst, 

10.  Patrick  Larkin. 


118 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


1850-1855. 


Sullivan,  Jeremiah 
Sweeney,  Patrick 


Tobin,  Chas. 
Whalen,  John 


Sweeney,  Neil 
Shea,  Michael 
Shine,  John 


Walsh,  Joseph 
Wallace,  Thos, 
Wetzler,  Jacob 


Walker,  William 


Shine,  Daniel 
Spillard,  John 


Welch,  Richard 
Welch,  James 
Young,  Thomas 


Stanton,  Patrick 
Sower,  George 
Spaulding,  Matt. 


MRS.  EUGENE  O’REILLY. 


Mrs.  Eugene  O’Reilly  was  born  in  Castledooey,  Raphoe,  County 
Donegal,  Ireland,  in  1837.  Her  maiden  name  was  Catherine  Sweeney* 
her  parents  being  Thomas  and  Annie  Sweeney.  She  came  to  this 
country  when  fourteen  years  old,  and  lived  with  her  uncle,  Father 
Gallagher,  for  several  years. 

After  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Eugene  O’Reilly,  she  moved  to  Chicago, 
where  she  resided  until  her  death,  September  16,  1900.  One  who  knew 
her  well  said  of  her :  “  She  was  always  a  devout  Christian  ;  a  better 
mother  never  lived;  her  whole  time  was  devoted  to  her  family  ;  her  home 
was  her  paradise.” 


[EREMIAH  RYAN. 


Mr.  Jeremiah  Ryan  was  born  at  Morroe  Wood,  Parish  of  Abing- 
ton,  County  Limerick,  Ireland,  on  May  28,  1820.  Coming  to  Amer¬ 
ica  in  1847,  he  resided  in  New  York  for  four  years.  There  he  married 
Miss  Margaret  Fitzgerald,  a  companion  from  childhood.  In  1851 
the  family  moved  to  Seymour,  New  Haven  County,  Connecticut,  where 
they  resided  until  1855,  when  they  moved  to  Elgin. 

In  his  1 8th  year,  in  the  City  of  Cork,  Ireland,  Mr.  Ryan  took  from 
Father  Matthew  the  total  abstinence  pledge,  a  pledge  which  he  kept 
inviolate  until  the  day  of  his  death.  His  charitable  and  benevolent  dis¬ 
position,  his  gentleness  and  affability  won  for  him  the  respect  and 
esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  the  community  at  large.  He  was  a  most 
devout  and  conscientious  Catholic.  He  was  a  great  lover  of  children, 


I. 

Mrs.  Brian  Kenney, 

1050-105;,. 

6. 

Nicholas  Hyde, 

2. 

Brian  Kenney, 

7* 

Mrs.  David  Collins, 

3- 

Mrs.  Patrick  Tray  nor 

8. 

David  Collins, 

4- 

Michael  Roche, 

9- 

Peter  Hines, 

5- 

Mrs.  Michael  Roche, 

10. 

William  Roche, 

1 1. 


Mrs.  William  Roche. 


120 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


and  he  knew  them  all,  always  having  a  glad  welcome  for  them  ;  and 
they  all  knew  “  Jerry  Ryan,”  and  honored  and  respected  him. 

He  was  once  elected  town  collector  of  the  town  of  Elgin,  an  office 
which  he  filled  with  honor  to  himself  and  credit  to  the  township. 

Mr.  Ryan  was  very  methodical  in  his  way  and  kept  a  daily  record 
of  local  and  parish  events  for  over  fifty  years.  Mr.  Ryan  died  in  Elgin 
on  April  9,  1898,  in  the  78th  year  of  his  age,  mourned  by  a  host  of 
friends. 


r855— i860. 


Allen,  James 
Barry,  Robert 
Burke,  Francis  N. 
Burke,  Patrick 
Burke,  John 
Burke,  Wm. 

Burke,  Maurice 
Buel,  Mrs.  Josephine 
Boyle,  Dominick 
Cooney,  Patrick 
Carte,  Charles 
Considine,  John 
Colford,  Patrick 
Colford,  Richard 
Collins,  Stephen 
Connell,  R. 

Costigan,  John 
Dougherty,  Charles 
Delaney,  James 
Dooley,  Patrick 
Dibb,  Isaac 
Donahue,  Wm. 
Duggan,  Patrick 
Driscoll,  Patrick 
Daley,  John 
Fay,  Peter  (1845), 
Freeman,  Michael 
Fahey,  John 
Foley,  Patrick 


Foley,  Thomas 
Gilick,  Robt. 

Gilick,  Michael 
Grant,  Patrick 
Gubbins,  Edward 
Garvey,  Thomas 
Garvey,  Patrick 
Grant,  Richard 
Grady,  John 
Hefferman,  Joseph 
Hennessey,  John 
Hade,  Mrs.  C. 
Hannigan,  Thomas 
Handley,  Patrick 
Hennick,  Wm. 
Hennick,  John 
Hogan,  Patrick 
Hickey,  William 
Jones,  Patrick 
Kelley,  Thomas 
Kelley,  Thomas  B. 
Kinney,  Wm. 

Kalahan,  Thomas 
Kenneally,  Mrs.  Mary 
Kenneady,  James 
Kenneady,  Edward 
Logan,  Owen 
Logan,  Thomas 
Logan,  John 


Mrs.  Francis  N.  Burke, 

i  S5  5- 1 860. 

6. 

Mrs.  Thomas  Kelley, 

Francis  N.  Burke, 

7- 

Conrad  Kohn, 

John  Nolan, 

8. 

Mrs.  Conrad  Kohn, 

Mrs.  John  Nolan, 

9- 

Mrs.  Josephine  Buel, 

Thomas  Kelley, 

10. 

John  Martin, 

1 1. 

Mrs.  John  Martin. 

122 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


1855-1860. 


Laughlin,  Thomas 

Murphy,  Daniel 

McGarry,  John 

Meenagh,  John 

McBroiarty,  Anthony 

Meenagh,  Patrick 

Me  Nab,  Michael 

Nolan,  John 

McCartney,  John 

O’Brien,  Michael 

McCartney,  Richard 

O’Brien,  Wm. 

McCartney,  Anthony 

O’Brien,  James 

McEnerney,  Patrick 

O’Connor,  James 

McGraw,  David 

Powers,  William 

McGarry,  Patrick 

Quinlan,  James 

McLaughlin,  James 

Quillinan  James 

McCormick,  Stephen 

Quernheim,  Philip 

Murphy,  John 

Rourke,  Patrick 

Miller,  Peter 

Rotcher,  Michael 

Mulloy,  Patrick 

Rochford,  Patrick 

Mulloy,  James 

Rhoden,  Christopher 

Morrisey,  Patrick 

Sheehan,  James  L. 

Morrisey,  Michael 

Shields,  James 

Morrisey,  Martin 

Schaller,  Andrew 

Moore,  James 

Savage,  James 

Moran,  Michael 

Sweeney,  Peter 

Murphy,  Philip 

Shern,  Michael 

Murphy,  John 

Traynor,  Patrick 

Wallace,  Matt. 


PATRICK  JONES. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patrick  Jones  came  to  Elgin  in  1857  from  Burling¬ 
ton,  Vt.  Mr.  Jones  worked  at  his  trade  of  tailor  for  two  years,  when 
he  formed  a  partnership  with  Mr.  Joseph  Hemmens  to  carry  on  a  mer¬ 
chant  tailoring  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Hemmens  &  Jones, 
which  was  only  terminated  by  his  death  which  occurred  March  22,  1899, 
the  firm  being  at  that  time  the  longest  established  of  any  in  the  city. 
Mrs.  Jones  survived  her  husband  but  about  two  years,  dying  January 
6,  1901.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  were  members  of  St.  Mary  's  congregation 
from  their  arrival  in  Elgin  and  were  always  active  in  church  affairs. 
Mr.  Jones  was  born  in  Montreal,  Canada,  and  moved  to  Vermont  in  1841. 
Mrs.  Jones  was  born  in  the  Vale  of  Aherlowe,  County  Tipperary,  Ire- 


1855  jS6j. 


I . 

Mrs.  Mary  Kenneally, 

6. 

Mrs.  Patrick  Rochford, 

0 

Mrs.  Andrew  Schaller. 

/  * 

Phillip  Quernheim, 

J* 

Andrew  Schaller, 

8. 

Mrs.  Philop  Manning, 

4- 

Mrs.  Tames  Sheehan, 

9- 

Mrs.  Thomas  Foley, 

5* 

Patrick  Rochford, 

10. 

'Thomas  Foley. 

4 

Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


124 


land,  and  emigrated  to  this  country  with  her  parents  when  a  small  child, 
and  settled  at  Burlington,  Vt.  Of  their  eight  children  five  survive  them, 
Lawrence,  Joseph  and  Margaret  still  belong  to  St.  Mary’s  parish  and 
Charles  and  Ellen  live  in  Chicago. 

JOHN  SPILLARD. 

John  Spillard  enjoyed  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  Catholic 
elected  to  any  public  office  in  this  city.  He  was  chosen  alderman  of 
the  then  Third  ward  (now  the  Seventh),  in  the  year  1S61,  for  two  years, 
and  re-elected  in  1865. 


JOHN  SPILLARD  AND  FAMILY. 

Mr.  Spillard  was  among  the  early  business  men  of  Elgin,  coming 
here  in  1S54,  and  immediately  erecting  a  small  tannery  on  North  State 
street.  He  was  prosperous  from  the  beginning,  and  after  years  of 
hard  work  and  industry,  he  became  one  of  the  largest  sheep-skin  manu¬ 
facturers  in  the  State.  Besides  manufacturing,  he  also  dealt  in  wool, 
hides  and  furs. 


1855-1860. 


1.  James  O’Brien, 

2.  Mrs.  Catherine  Hade, 

3.  Thomas  Logan, 

4.  Mrs.  Michael  Sheran. 

5.  Michael  Sheran. 

1 1.  Mrs.  T.  B. 


6.  William  Hickey, 

7.  Mrs.  Wm.  Hickey, 

8.  Mrs.  Christopher  Rhoden, 

9.  Christopher  Rhoden, 

10.  T.  B.  Kelley, 

Kelley. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


126 


In  1865,  J.  H.  Spillard,  his  second  son,  became  his  partner,  and 
from  that  time  on  the  business  was  conducted  under  the  hrm  name  and 
style  of  John  Spillard  &  Son. 

JUDGE  M.  W.  HOGAN. 

Among  the  early  parishioners  who  have  since  become  prominent, 
mention  must  be  made  of  the  Hon.  M.  W.  Hogan.  Born  in  Ireland, 
he  came  to  this  country  at  an  early  age,  and  for  a  couple  of  years  lived 


JUDGE  M.  W.  HOGAN. 

here  with  Mr.  John  Meehan,  Sr.,  who  was  then  his  guardian.  In  the 
summer  or  fall  of  1854  he  moved  to  Chicago.  There,  in  union  with  John 
Meehan,  Jr.,  son  of  the  John  Meehan  above  referred  to,  and  William 
L.  Linton,  editor  of  a  Catholic  paper  called  “  The  Western  Banner,”  he 
helped  organize  the  “Young  Men’s  Catholic  Institute,”  the  first  society 
of  the  kind  in  Chicago. 

He  studied  law  under  the  guidance  of  the  late  Hon.  S.  S.  Hayes, 
and  in  the  old  University  of  Chicago,  now  known  as  the  Northwestern 


IN  THE  ’50’ S, 


128 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


University.  Shortly  after  being  admitted  to  the  bar,  he  married  Miss 
Delia  Walsh,  daughter  of  the  late  Dr.  John  Walsh,  of  Buttevant,  Ireland, 
who  was  then  residing  in  Chicago. 

In  i860  Mr.  Hogan  moved  with  his  family  to  St.  Louis.  After 
the  war  of  the  rebellion  broke  out,  he  met  many  of  his  former  friends 
and  companions  who  had  taken  up  arms  and  were  moving  to  the  front 
in  defense  of  the  flag.  Among  them  was  General  Lynch  of  Elgin. 
One  day  as  the  two  friends  were  sitting  in  the  old  “  Planters'  House,” 
St.  Louis,  a  dispatch  from  Governor  Yates  of  Illinois  was  handed  to 
General  Lynch.  The  Governor  had  appointed  General  Lynch  colonel 
of  a  regiment,  and  wished  him  to  report  at  once  for  duty.  General 
Lynch  was  very  desirous  of  having  Mr.  Hogan  appointed  lieutenant 
colonel ;  but  sickness  in  his  family  at  that  time  prevented  Mr.  Hogan’s 
acceptance  of  the  generous  offer.  During  the  war,  however,  Mr. 
Hogan  did  military  duty  in  and  around  St.  Louis  as  a  member  of  the 
enrolled  Missouri  militia.  He  assisted  the  late  Dr.  Thomas  O’Reilly 
to  organize,  equip  and  send  to  the  field  the  Seventh  Missouri  Infantry, 
U.  S.  Volunteers,  afterwards  known  as  ‘  the  St.  Louis  Fighting  Irish 
Brigade.’' 

During  his  long  residence  in  St.  Louis,  Mr.  Hogan  filled  many 
public  offices.  He  served  as  city  alderman ;  was  a  member  of  the 
school  board  ;  was  prosecuting  attorney  for  state  and  county  for  three 
successive  terms. 

Leaving  St.  Louis  in  1886,  he  returned  with  his  family  to  Chicago. 
There  his  wife  died  four  years  later,  leaving  with  him  six  children,  two 
sons  and  four  daughters.  His  sons,  Thomas  S.  and  Frank  J.,  are  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Chicago  bar,  having  offices  in  the  Ashland  Building.  One 
of  his  daughters  is  married  to  Mr.  John  H.  Burke  of  Baltimore,  Md., 
and  another  to  Mr.  George  J.  Flannigan  of  Flannigan  Brothers,  book 
publishers  of  Chicago.  His  youngest  daughter,  Stella,  is  well  known  in 
Elgin,  being  a  frequent  visitor  here  at  the  homes  of  her  relatives. 

The  Judge’s  sister,  Miss  Kate  Hogan,  has  for  many  years  been  a 
member  of  St.  Mary’s  parish,  residing  with  Mrs.  Mary  T.  Hogan, 
widow  of  the  Judge’s  brother,  P.  T.  Hogan,  who  is  buried  here. 

Having  once  been  a  resident,  and  always  having  relatives  here,  the 
Judge  has  been  a  regular  visitor  to  our  city.  He  has  many  friends 
among  the  older  parishioners,  and  is  always  a  most  welcome  guest  in 

our  midst. 


i86g  or  later. 


I . 

John  McGarry , 

8. 

Mrs.  Thomas  Jordan, 

2 

Mrs.  Patrick  Phelan, 

9- 

Thomas  Jordan, 

j- 

Patrick  Phelan, 

IO. 

Mrs.  John  Jordan. 

4- 

William  O’Bierne, 

1 1 . 

James  Wall, 

5- 

Mrs.  John  McGarry, 

I  2. 

John  Jordan, 

6. 

Mrs.  Ellen  Kane, 

ij- 

Michael  McGarry, 

/  • 

Mrs.  William  O’Bierne, 

1 4- 

Mrs.  Michael  McGarry 

lS- 

Mrs.  James  Wall. 

130 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


JOSEPH  HEALY. 

Among  the  young  men  of  Elgin,  and  especially  among  the  young 
men  of  St.  Mary’s  parish  in  the  years  from  1866  to  September  14,  1871, 
when  he  died  at  the  early  age  of  26  years,  none  gave  promise  of  a 
brighter  and  nobler  future  than  Joseph  Healy.  Born  in  Elgin,  after  a 
rudimentary  education  here,  he  was  sent  by  his  father,  the  late  Bernard 
Healy,  to  the  University  of  Notre  Dame,  Indiana.  There,  his  remark- 


JOSEPII  HEALY. 

able  application  to  and  success  in  study,  won  him  high  honor  and  marked 
him  as  an  exceptionally  talented  young  man.  After  graduating  at  this 
university  with  the  highest  success  he  returned  to  Elgin,  and  very  soon 
after  entered  the  University  of  Michigan  at  Ann  Arbor.  There  he 
entered  the  justly  famed  law  department  of  that  institution,  and  after 
the  usual  extensive  course  of  law  reading,  practiced  in  that  university, 
he  graduated  from  it,  receiving  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Law.  On  his 
return  to  Elgin  he  entered  the  law  firm  of  Botsford  &  Barry,  the  firm’s 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


131 


title  becoming  Botsford,  Barry  &  Healy.  He  remained  a  member  of 
this  firm  until  his  death,  the  same  being  then  unquestionably  the  lead¬ 
ing  law  firm  of  the  county. 

We  have  alluded  to  what  promised  to  be  the  bright  future  of  this 
departed  friend,  and  truly  such  a  future  he  had,  if  ability,  honesty  of 
word  and  deed,  and  fidelity  to  high  purposes  and  ideals  can  assure 
professional  success.  But  his  early  death  ended  what  seemed  destined 
to  be  a  distinguished  life  at  its  very  beginning,  professionally  considered. 


DANIEL  BURKE  AND  FAMILY. 


He  had  all  the  characteristics  of  an  able  lawyer,  especially  of  a  very 
able  office  lawyer,  and  better  yet,  of  an  honest  man.  Among  his 
friends  and  intimates  he  was  absolutely  a  beloved  friend  and  companion, 
and  among  such  of  them  as  are  yet  living,  his  memory  will  be  fondly 
cherished  until  the  hour  of  death. 

Joseph  Healy  was  a  man  of  intense  public  spirit,  and  devoted  a 
large  part  of  his  spare  time  to  the  formation  and  perfecting  in  Elgin  of 
a  good  fire  department.  His  work  in  this  respect  will  never  be  for 


132 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


gotten  by  the  old  guard  of  the  fire  department.  His  early  death  was 
widely  and  sincerely  mourned,  and  his  funeral  services  held  at  old  St. 
Mary’s  Church,  and  his  interment  in  the  old  Elgin  cemetery  was  made 
the  occasion  of  a  sympathetic  demonstration  participated  in  by  people 
of  all  circles,  perhaps  larger  than  has  attended  the  funeral  rites  of  any 
citizen  of  Elgin  before  or  since  that  sorrowful  occasion. 


HUGH  MUKPHY. 

HUGH  MURPHY. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  Hugh  Murphy,  born  at  Elgin,  Ill., 
April  14,  1852,  attended  public  school  at  Elgin  in  1861-2,  In  1863, 
’64  and  ’65  did  about  everything  in  the  way  of  odd  jobs  that  one  of  his 
age  was  capable  of  and  the  necessities  of  those  severe  war  times  required 
in  order  to  exist.  From  1865  to  1870  he  served  an  apprenticeship 
with  E.  F.  Reeves  at  the  trade  of  stone  cutting,  stone  mason  work, 
plastering  and  brick  laying.  During  the  five  years  of  his  apprentice- 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


138 


ship  he  attended  school  at  the  Elgin  Academy  during  the  winter  season. 
From  September  1871  to  June  1872  he  took  a  private  commercial 
course  from  the  professors  at  Notre  Dame,-  South  Bend,  Ind.,  and 
worked  on  the  Cathedral  at  his  trade  to  pay  for  same.  From  1873 
until  1878  he  worked  as  journeyman  and  contractor  in  the  various 
states  of  the  Union  and  settled  in  1878  at  Omaha,  Neb.,  where  he  was 
employed  as  Assistant  City  Engineer  in  charge  of  sewer  work.  In  1880 
he  had  charge  of  the  mechanical  construction  of  the  Omaha  Water  Works. 
In  1882  he  entered  the  business  of  contracting  of  public  works,  in¬ 
cluding  grading,  sewer  construction  and  paving  with  wood,  stone, 
brick  and  asphalt.  In  1888  he  opened  the  stone  quarries  at  Lyons, 


MR.  NOLAN’S  FARM  HOUSE  AND  STOCK  BARN. 


Colo.,  and  operates  in  the  line  of  his  business  in  Nebraska,  Colorado, 
Utah  and  Iowa.  He  has  been  successful  in  all  his  undertakings. 

In  1882  he  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  McGraw  of  Chicago. 
They  have  four  children  living,  Hugh,  Mary,  Richard  and  Helen. 

Solely  by  his  own  efforts  and  ability  he  has  accumulated  a  com¬ 
petent  fortune,  and  has  a  loving  family  and  a  happy  home,  although  he 
started  in  life  with  as  little  of  this  world’s  goods  as  it  was  possible  for 
one  to  possess. 

JOHN  NOLAN. 

One  of  the  prosperous  and  well-known  members  of  St.  Mary’s 
parish  is  Mr.  John  Nolan,  whose  fine  dairy  farm  of  about  200  acres  is 
located  in  the  south-western  corner  of  Elgin  township.  Mr.  Nolan  was 


St.  Marys  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


135 


born  in  County  Carlow,  Ireland,  May  i,  1832.  He  came  to  Elgin  in 
1857  with  no  possessions,  but  an  honest  heart  and  willing  hands.  For 
eight  years  he  worked  with  farmers  in  the  vicinity  of  Elgin,  and  then 
bought  the  land  on  which  he  has  since  made  his  home. 

In  1865  he  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  Dunn,  who  was  born  in 
County  West  Meathe,  Ireland.  Their  union  was  blessed  with  three  sons 
and  a  daughter,  who  are  a  source  of  pride  and  comfort  to  their  parents 
in  their  declining  years. 

Visits  to  the  home  of  these  hospitable  people  are  always  enjoyed  by 
their  many  friends.  Their  comfortable  farm-house,  surrounded  by 
shade,  ornamental  and  fruit  trees,  the  modern  horse  and  stock  barns, 
dairy  house  and  out-buildings,  all  well  kept,  are  the  result  of  their  own 
efforts,  and  are  eloquent  testimonials  to  their  industry,  good  judgment 
and  taste.  Mr.  Nolan  and  his  family  are  regular  attendants  at  and 
liberal  contributors  to  the  support  of  St.  Mary's  Church. 

PATRICK  DALY. 

A  sketch  of  the  old  time  folk  of  Elgin  would  be  indeed  very  incom¬ 
plete  did  it  not  contain  some  allusion  to  the  late  Patrick  Daly.  Our 
whole  people,  young  and  old,  well  knew  the  good,  cheery,  whole-souled 
man,  ever  with  a  smile  on  his  honest,  humorous  face,  that  for  genera¬ 
tions,  we  may  say,  performed  in  the  Elgin  cemetery  “man’s  last  duty  to 
man,”  the  return  of  dust  to  dust. 

What  a  work  our  old  friend  did  in  that  old  cemetery  of  ours,  now, 
as  we  look  back  at  it  with  its  forty  years  of  labor.  How  many  sorrowful 
groups  and  breaking  hearts  has  he  faced  in  that  time.  Surely,  no  other 
man  in  Elgin,  as  he,  has  faced  such  a  ceaseless  panorama  of  sorrow 
moving  constantly  before  his  honest  and  sympathetic  Irish  eyes  and 
heart.  Indeed,  Patrick  was  near  to  the  people  of  Elgin,  for  he  had  been 
with  them  in  their  most  supreme  hours  of  sorrow,  and  had  laid  to  rest 
their  best  beloved  with  the  strong  arm  of  his  youth,  and  with  the  feeble 
but  ever  faithful  arm  of  his  old  age. 

Patrick  Daly  was  born  in  the  County  of  West  Meathe,  Ireland,  on 
the  17th  of  March  (St.  Patrick’s  Day),  1810.  He  emigrated  to 
America,  and  came  direct  to  Elgin  in  1850.  Very  soon  after  coming 
to  Elgin,  or  to  be  precise,  as  soon  as  the  old  St.  Mary’s  Church  was 
roofed,  the  then  pastor,  Rev.  Father  Feely,  appointed  Mr.  Daly  to  look 
after  the  church  as  a  sort  of  sexton,  and  from  this  by  some  natural 


p 

1 

E*E» 

« 

iti 

fell 

■.  i 

St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


137 


transition  he  soon  graduated  into  the  performance  of  the  duties  of  the 
village  cemetery  sextonship.  Afterward,  when  the  city  government 
was  instituted  in  Elgin,  and  the  cemetery  came  under  corporate  con¬ 
trol,  he  yet  continued  in  it  his  duties  as  sexton,  and  so  continued  until 
a  short  time  before  his  death,  when  age  and  illness  prevented  him  from 
longer  performing  the  duties  of  his  old  work.  The  City  of  Elgin,  how¬ 
ever,  remembering  his  old-time  faithfulness,  kept  him  in  its  employ  up 
to  and  until  his  death.  He  reposes  in  the  sweet  old  cemetery  that  he 
loved  in  life  more  than  any  spot  on  earth.* 


PATRICK  DALY.  : 

Patrick  Daly  died  on  the  13th  of  December,  1893,  regretted  by  all 
our  people  of  every  sort  and  character.  In  his  life  he  addressed  all 
who  came  to  visit  the  cemetery  as  “  my  son,”  thus  to  the  little  child  and 
to  the  old  man  alike.  Maybe  that  their  sorrows  which  he  every  day  saw 

*Since  the  above  was  written  Mr.  Daly’s  remains,  together  with  those  of  the 
deceased  of  his  family,  have  been  transferred  to  the  Bluff  City  Cemetery,  Elgin. 


138 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


endeared  them  to  him  and  made  his  kind  heart  pity  them — who  can 
tell  ?  Mark  how  Shakespeare  puts  the  words  of  philosophy  into  the 
mouths  of  the  grave  diggers  at  Ophelia’s  grave.  Patrick,  too,  lived  and 
philosophized  among  our  tombs,  and  who  can  say  but  that  he,  too, 
realized  the  awful  fact  that  all  is  vanity  save  love  of  God  and  of  truth, 
and  love  for  one’s  fellowmen,  and  these  characteristics  he  had  and  he 
practiced  for  forty  years  in  the  old  Elgin  cemetery,  in  storm  and  in 
sunshine,  young  and  aged,  rich  and  poor,  “he  gathered  them  in.” 


THE  OLD  SEXTON. 

H.  RUSSELL. 

Nigh  to  a  grave  that  was  newly  made, 

Leaned  a  sexton  old,  on  his  earth  worn  spade. 
His  work  was  done  and  he  paused  to  wait, 

The  fun’ral  train  through  the  open  gate ; 

A  relic  of  bygone  days  was  he, 

And  his  locks  were  white  as  the  foamy  sea; 

And  these  words  came  from  his  lips  so  thin, 

I  gather  them  in,  I  gather  them  in. 

I  gather  them  in  !  for  man  and  boy, 

Year  after  year  of  grief  and  joy; 

I’ve  budded  the  homes  that  lie  around 
In  every  nook  of  this  burial  ground  ; 

Mother  and  daughter,  father  and  son, 

Come  to  my  solitude,  one  by  one ; 

But  come  they  strangers  or  come  they  kin, 

I  gather  them  in,  I  gather  them  in. 

Many  are  with  me,  but  still  I’m  alone; 

I’m  king  of  the  dead,  and  I  make  my  throne 
On  a  monument  slab  of  marble  cold ; 

And  my  sceptre  of  rule  is  the  spade  I  hold. 
Come  they  from  cottage  or  come  they  from  hall, 
Mankind  are  my  subjects  all,  all,  all ! 

Let  them  loiter  in  pleasure  or  toilfuliy  spin, 

I  gather  them  in,  I  gather  them  in. 


HOMES  OF  PARISHIONERS 


•j 


Benefactors  of  Early  Parishioners. 


It  would  be  to  us  a  matter  of  supreme  pleasure,  indeed,  we  would 
prefer  to  say  that  it  would  be  to  us  a  labor  of  love  to  insert  in  this 
memoir  of  St.  Mary’s  church  a  complete  collection  of  the  pictures  and 
biographies  of  the  early  citizens.  It  is  not  for  lack  of  desire  so  to  do 
that  we  forbear  the  effort,  but  for  other  causes.  We  sincerely  believe 
that,  taken  as  a  whole,  no  better  men  settled  in  the  then  west  and 
northwest  than  the  men  who  located  in  what  is  now  the  city  of  Elgin 
during  its  early  days.  We  knew  them  to  be  men  of  broad  minds,  spurn¬ 
ing  prejudice,  and  whether  Protestant,  Free  Thinker  or  of  no  religious 
faith,  men  in  the  aggregate  who  looked  upon  their  neighbors  as  their 
friends  and  brothers  in  fact.  Well  might  such  men.  glorious  pioneers, 
use  the  passionate  and  lofty  appeal  of  the  good  man  in  Leigh  Hunt’s 
poetic  gem  : 

“Write  me  as  one  who  loves  his  fellow  man  ” 

issues  from  their  souls  and  lips,  for  they  were  ever  true  to  the  spirit  of 
brotherly  love  ;  and  indeed  we  may  well  add  that  from  its  first  settle¬ 
ment  the  Fox  River  valley  has  been  “  a  peaceful  vale,”  in  which  neither 
religious  nor  social  animosities  ever  had  an  abiding  place. 

And  so  it  is  now,  long  after  most  of  these  old  settlers  of  Elgin 
have  gone  over  to  the  silent  majority,  that  we  speak  of  these  large- 
hearted  men,  no  matter  of  what  religious  faith,  with  love  and  venera¬ 
tion.  Through  their  kindly  deeds  and  benevolent  words  they  largely 
contributed  to  the  planting  of  St.  Mary’s  parish.  They  encouraged 
the  early  Catholic  settlers  to  locate  in  their  village  or  in  its  vicinity, 
and  afterward  proved  themselves  benefactors,  kind  friends  and 
good  neighbors:  Americans  in  all  the  word  implies,  for  though  worship¬ 
ing  at  other  altars,  and,  with  but  few  exceptions,  differing  in  nationality 
from  Catholics,  they  willingly  accorded  our  predecessors  in  the  faith 
the  same  privileges  sought  by  themselves,  the  parishioners  of  today 


139 


I . 

o 


J • 


BENEFACTOR S  OF  EARLY  PARISHIONERS. 


Mr.  Tames  T.  Gifford, 
Mr.  Wm.  C.  Kimball, 
Dr.  Joseph  Tefft, 


4.  Gen.  Elijah  Wilcox. 

5.  Mr.  F.  L.  McClure, 

6.  Dr.  Edgar  Winchester. 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


141 


can  not  do  otherwise  than  cherish  loving  feelings  for  the  memory  of 
those  good  people. 

Entertaining  the  impression,  the  readers  of  this  volume  will  deem 
the  foregoing  brief  tribute  a  proper  termination  to  the  sketches  of  our 
early  parishioners,  and  with  the  belief  their  possession  will  be  appre¬ 
ciated,  we  take  pleasure  in  presenting  on  the  preceding  page  portraits 
of  a  few  of  the  representative  pioneer  settlers.  Like  most  of  our  early 
settlers  the  few  village  fathers,  whose  portraits  we  here  reproduce,  were 
men  whose  reputation,  efforts  and  ability  contributed  much  toward 
making  Elgin  what  it  is,  and  in  securing  for  it  the  prosperity  it  enioys 
today.  Early  residents  will  well  know  the  following : 

James  T.  Gifford,  Wm.  C.  Kimball,  Dr.  Joseph  Tefft,  Gen.  Elijah 
Wilcox,  F.  L.  McClure,  H.  Edgar  Winchester. 

They  have  passed  away,  too,  but  they  leave  behind  them  the 
memory  of  good  lives,  and  that  will  survive  forever,  for 

A  man  dies, 

But  his  memory  lives  for  all  time. 


In  Defense  of  the  Flag. 


As  has  been  stated  in  a  preceding  page,  it  was  during  the  time 
“that  tried  men’s  souls”  when  Father  Eustace  came  amongst  us.  The 
shrill  blast  of  war  had  sounded,  and  St.  Mary’s  parish  sent  her  full 
quota  to  the  front  in  defense  of  the  Union.  Many  of  them  sleep 
beneath  southern  skies.  Others  returned  after  four  years  of  war  to 
home  and  loved  ones  and  to  again  become  useful  citizens  and  active 
members  of  St.  Mary’s  parish.  Among  the  members  of  St.  Mary’s 
parish  who  answered  the  call  to  arms  was  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  F.  Lynch. 

The  following  sketch  of  the  acts  and  life  of  Brigadier  General 
William  F.  Lynch  synopsize  the  brilliant  career  of  an  Elgin  man,  and  of 
a  devout  member  of  St.  Mary’s  congregation.  General  Lynch’s  career 
in  the  civil  war  reads  almost  like  romance,  so  daring  were  itso  many 
features,  and  so  thoroughly  were  they  marked  by  all  the  characteristics 
of  a  patriotic  soldier.  Back  in  the  year  1855,  in  the  then  diminutive 
city  of  Elgin,  a  military  company  was  formed  that  made  its  first  appear¬ 
ance  at  a  fourth  of  July  celebration  in  that  year,  held  in  what  used  to  be 
called  Colby’s  grove,  a  wooded  spot  a  short  distance  east  of  the  Elgin 
Academy.  This  particular  company,  on  the  occasion  referred  to,  was 
habited  in  black  trousers,  white  shirts,  and  black  caps,  and  was  com¬ 
posed  of  what  we  may  call  the  elite  of  the  young  men  of  Elgin.  The 
members  of  the  organization  were  armed  with  such  guns  and  bayonets 
as  the  State  then  furnished  to  its  military  companies,  for  Illinois  had  at 
that  time  no  militia  regiments  patterned  on  the  present  existing  model 
of  such  organizations.  This  military  company  soon  after  its  formation 
realized  that  its  first  need  was  a  genuine  military  garb ;  and  as  its 
members  were  intensely  patriotic,  and  as  one  of  its  chief  organizers, 
Sergeant  Samuel  Ward  (afterwards  killed  while  leading  his  company  at 
the  battle  of  Shiloh),  had  in  his  boyhood  near  Albany,  N.  Y.,  been 
much  impressed  by  the  dress  of  the  Albany  (New  York)  Continentals 
with  their  [quaint  old  colonial  garments  and  their  cocked  hats  and 


143 


144 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


bottle  plumes,  he  advised  the  new  company,  his  Elgin  comrades,  to 
adopt  the  continental  style  of  dress,  and  they  did  so.  Then  in  the 
garb  o-f  “  ’76,”  the  boys  made  their  appearance  to  general  admiration 
on  the  streets  of  Elgin.  Very  soon  after  this  event,  they  secured  a 
famous  drill  master  in  the  person  of  Col.  E.  E.  Ellsworth,  a  young 
man  then  unknown  to  fame,  but  soon  after  to  become  one  of  the  most 
picturesque  figures  in  the  early  events  of  the  great  civil  war.  Under 
the  instruction  of  this  truly  talented  tactician  the  Elgin  Continentals 
rapidly  advanced  in  proficiency,  until  their  name  became  known  all 
over  the  West.  The  members  were  all  persons  of  means.  They 
established  their  own  armory,  furnished  it.  engaged  their  own  instructor, 
garbed  themselves,  constantly  received  and  royally  entertained  visiting 
brethren  of  the  sword,  one  such  entertainment,  that  of  the  National 
Guards  Cadets,  the  crack  military  company  of  Chicago,  costing  their 
Elgin  entertainers  over  one  thousand  dollars.  In  fact,  just  before  the 
rebellion  the  Elgin  Continentals  were  talked  of  and  admired  all  over  the 
Northwest.  Many  of  its  members  became  distinguished  officers  from 
1861  to  1865  in  various  regiments  during  the  long  fratricidal  struggle. 

Of  this  highly  honorable  and  gallant  band  of  young  men,  William  F. 
Lynch  was  a  member,  and  in  it  he  got  his  first  glimpse  of  military  life. 
In  a  biographical  notice  of  General  Lynch,  published  in  the  Notre  Dame 
Scholastic,  the  journal  of  the  university  at  which  young  Lynch  was 
educated,  the  writer  says  :  “  Young  Lynch’s  father  sent  him  to  school  to 
Notre  Dame,  and  one  of  the  motives  for  this  action  appears  to  have  been 
a  wish  to  get  him  away  from  the  glamour  of  the  Elgin  uniform.  But  the 
love  of  the  garb  was  too  strong  for  the  youth.  Hardly  had  he  entered 
Notre  Dame  when  the  military  company  then  existing  at  the  university 
was  changed  to  a  continental  company,  William  F.  Lynch  being  its 
drill  master.  In  i860  the  subject  of  our  sketch  was  elected  captain  of 
this  company,  and  on  April  17,  1861,  President  Lincoln  called  for 
75,000  men.  Public  meetings  were  held  everywhere.  One  was  held 
at  South  Bend,  near  the  university.  Lynch  was  there.  Moderation  was 
counseled  by  all  the  speakers.  Lynch  chafed  under  the  talk,  mere 
talk ;  at  last,  as  all  were  going  to  leave,  he  got  up  and  said  :  ‘  I  am  going 
to  the  front,  to  shed  the  last  drop  of  my  blood  if  need  be  for  the  Union.’  ” 
A  company  of  the  First  Indiana  Regiment  was  organized  on  the  spot. 

Then  his  own  university  company  got  on  fire,  or  as  the  university 
paper  quoted  puts  it,  “The  captain  let  the  blaze  out,  for  the  company 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


145 


was  on  fire  already.”  They  must  be  off  for  the  front.  The  president 
of  the  university  declared  that  he  had  no  authority  to  let  boys  under 
twenty-one  enlist,  which  was  true,  but  about  sixty  of  the  elder  youth 
went,  and  with  them  went  Lynch.  However,  when  they  reached  the 
military  rendezvous  at  Indianapolis,  they  found  that  the  Indiana  quota 
was  already  full,  and  the  boys  had  to  return  home.  But  in  no  way 
deterred,  young  Lynch  forthwith  entered  the  Twenty- third  Illinois  Volun- 


GENERAL  WILLIAM  F.  LYNCH. 


teers,  the  afterwards  highly  distinguished  regiment  commanded  by 
Colonel  James  A.  Mulligan.  While  absent  from  this  regiment  on 
recruiting  service,  the  regiment  being  then  in  Missouri,  the  subject  of 
our  sketch  escaped  capture  at  the  hands  of  the  confederates,  Colonel 
Mulligan  and  his  entire  command  being  captured  by  the  confederate 
General  Price  at  Lexington,  Missouri,  after  a  memorable  resistance  by 
Colonel  Mulligan,  a  resistance  that  became  an  inspiration  to  the  Union 
forces  in  the  Northwest.  Hearing  of  the  fate  of  his  regiment,  Lynch  at 


146 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


once  posted  off  to  Governor  Yates,  and  boldly  asked  that  he  be  permitted 
to  raise  a  regiment  of  his  own.  The  Governor  asked  him  to  whom  he 
could  refer  for  an  assurance  that  he  could  command  a  regiment.  Lynch 
referred  him  to  Hon.  Schuyler  Colfax  and  to  Governor  Morton,  both  of 
whom  he  had  met  at  the  University  of  Notre  Dame.  To  Governor 
Yates’  inquiry,  Colfax  replied,  “  Good  young  man  ;  give  him  a  chance,” 
and  Governor  Morton  answered,  “  None  better.”  He  then  and  thus  got 
permission  to  raise  the  58th  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers.  Now  in 
command  of  a  regiment  of  his  own,  Colonel  Lynch  was  soon  at  the 
front  and  at  once  saw  active  service,  participating  in  the  assault  and 
capture  of  Fort  Donelson,  where  his  regiment  fought  first  in  Thayer’s 
brigade  and  then  on  the  left  of  Wallace’s  troops.  On  the  6th  and 
7th  of  April,  1862,  the  great  battle  of  Shiloh  was  fought.  In  this 
memorable  battle  Colonel  Lynch’s  regiment  was  in  the  very  thickest  of 
the  struggle,  being  at  the  center  of  Grant’s  line,  among  the  troops 
commanded  by  General  W.  H.  L.  Wallace  and  General  Ben  Prentiss.  Of 
the  defense  of  this  position  by  the  union  army,  among  whom  as  stated 
was  Colonel  Lynch’s  regiment,  the  confederate  General  W.  P.  Johnson 
says,  “  On  the  federal  left  center,  W.  H.  L.  Wallace  and  Hurlbut  were 
massed,  with  Prentiss’  fragment  in  a  position  so  impregnable  and 
thronged  with  such  fierce  defenders  that  it  won  from  the  confederates 
the  title  of  the  “  hornet’s  nest.”  Lynch,  with  most  of  his  men,  was 
captured  near  or  at  the  hornet’s  nest,  but  the  battle  was  eventually 
saved  by  the  resistance  made  by  its  “  fierce  defenders,”  among  whom 
Lynch  and  his  men  fought  like  heroes.  After  his  capture,  Colonel  Lynch 
was  first  sent  to  Madison,  Georgia,  and  afterwards  to  Libby  prison, 
where  he  was  held  for  a  short  period.  From  the  latter  he  was  paroled 
on  the  15th  of  October,  1862,  and  after  an  immediate  exchange  he  went 
to  Washington  and  forthwith  commenced  to  recruit  and  reorganize  his 
old  regiment.  In  January,  1863,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  Camp 
Butler,  near  Springfield,  Illinois,  which  was  a  camp  for  the  holding  of 
confederate  prisoners,  and  there  he  remained  until  June,  1863,  when, 
with  his  regiment,  he  was  ordered  to  Cairo,  Illinois,  and  from  thence 
under  Sherman  to  Meridian,  Mississippi.  In  this  expedition  he  and  his 
regiment  participated  in  the  battle  of  the  Big  Black,  and  in  many  other 
engagements  until  Meridian  was  reached.  Returning  from  this  expedi¬ 
tion,  Colonel  Lynch  became  an  acting  brigadier  general  and  so  con¬ 
tinued  until  he  was  desperately  wounded  on  May  18,  1864.  During  this 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


147 


period,  both  in  dispatches  to  the  war  department  and  otherwise,  he 
received  the  highest  encomiums  from  his  commander,  General  A.  J. 
Smith.  On  March  13.  1864,  now  Acting  Brigadier  Lynch  was  with  the 
Red  River  expedition  under  General  Banks,  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
Atchafalaya.  On  the  14th  of  the  same  month,  Fort  DeRussy,  an 
important  confederate  work,  was  captured  by  the  federal  army, 
General  Mower  of  the  latter  using  Lynch’s  brigade  in  the  important 
capture.  Then  the  expedition  moved  on  up  the  river  with  varying  for¬ 
tune  until  April  8,  1864,  then  the  confederates  under  General  Taylor 
met  the  union  forces  under  Generals  Mower  and  Emery  in  battle  array 
Lynch’s  brigade  being  in  Mower’s  command.  As  the  event  is  told  in 
the  university  journal,  to  which  allusion  has  heretofore  been  made,  and 
as  the  war  record  of  General  Lynch  closes  with  his  wounding  about 
that  time,  we  copy  the  following  from  the  Notre  Dame  Scholastic  : 

“  On  the  afternoon  of  April  the  8th,  Taylor  attacked  the  federals 
near  Mansfield  and  drove  them  back  in  utter  confusion.  A  panic 
spread  among  the  teamsters  of  the  wagon  train,  but  by  night  the 
federal  General  Emery  had  checked  the  flight.  In  the  afternoon  about 
five  o’clock  the  confederate  General  Churchill  attacked  the  left  of  the 
federal  line.  That  part  of  the  line  was  the  weakest  in  numbers,  and  on 
it  was  posted  Benedict’s  brigade,  supported  on  the  left  by  Lynch’s 
brigade.  When  Churchill  attacked,  the  confederate  General  Walker 
advanced  and  turned  the  right  wing  of  the  federal  line.  The  federals 
rallied  on  Lynch,  and  then  Lynch  charged  and  broke  the  confederate 
right  wing.  Immediately  General  A.  J.  Smith  advanced  his  whole  line, 
in  a  charge  led  by  Mower,  and  the  confederates  were  routed. 

Lynch  chased  the  fugitives  hotly  for  about  three  miles,  and  he  then 
suddenly  discovered  that  he  had  with  him  only  about  four  hundred  men. 
These  were  from  various  regiments,  who  had  been  attracted  to  the  pur¬ 
suit  by  the  ardor  of  the  young  general.  The  confederates  began  to 
re-form  to  cut  Lynch  off,  and  about  three  thousand  of  them  were  falling 
into  line.  The  timber  favored  Lynch,  for  his  enemy  could  not  estimate 
his  numbers  and  they  thought  that  he  had  a  large  force,  owing  to  the 
number  of  flags  that  were  with  him.  After  a  volley  he  charged,  the 
enemy  vanished,  and  Lynch  got  back  to  the  army  unmolested.  Lynch’s 
brigade  was  engaged  in  many  minor  actions  until  on  the  morning  of  the 
1 8th  of  May  he  led  his  men  across  Yellow  Bayou  to  engage  the  enemy 
under  Wharton  and  Polignac.  Batteries  were  posted,  but  there  was  no 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


118 

engagement.  He  had  been  expecting  a  visit  from  his  brother,  and  as  it 
was  most  probable  that  the  enemy  would  not  attack,  he  obtained  per¬ 
mission  from  General  Mower  to  go  to  Simsport,  where  he  met  his 
brother.  The  two  men  were  returning  toward  the  brigade  when  they 
heard  the  sound  of  firing.  Lynch  left  his  brother,  and  rode  forward  at 
a  gallop  to  join  his  command.  When  he  reached  the  front,  his  troops 
were  just  starting  to  charge  the  enemy.  He  dashed  to  the  head  of  his 
brigade  and  on  they  went  with  a  rush.  In  this  charge  General  Lynch’s 
leg  was  shattered  by  a  musket  ball,  which  struck  him  just  below 
the  knee.  He  was  lifted  from  his  horse  and  carried  back  to  the  boats. 
Owing  to  a  disagreement  as  to  the  necessity  or  inadvisability  of  ampu¬ 
tating  the  wounded  limb,  it  was  merely  dressed,  and  it  was  at  length 
decided  to  avoid  amputation,  but  thereby  a  life  of  suffering  became  the 
lot  of  this  brave  man,  and  in  the  end  the  wound  then  received  caused 
his  death.  It  necessarily  ended  his  war  service. 

After  the  civil  war,  General  Lynch  became  identified  with  the 
Fenian  movement  for  the  invasion  of  Canada.  In  July,  1866,  he  was 
appointed  first  lieutenant  in  the  426  regular  United  States  Infantry.  In 
1867  he  became  captain.  In  the  same  year  he  received  the  brevet 
rank  of  major  for  “  gallant  service  in  the  battle  of  Pleasant  Hill,  La.” 
and  soon  after  the  brevet  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel  for  gallant  service 
an  the  battle  of  Yellow  Bayou,  La.  In  December,  1870,  he  was  retired 
tfrom  active  service  in  the  United  States  regulars,  with  the  rank  of 
brigadier  general.  A  law  of  congress  soon  after  reduced  him  to  the 
rank  of  colonel  on  the  retired  list,  but  after  a  personal  interview  with 
the  President,  General  Lynch  secured  restoration  to  his  rank  on  the 
retired  list  as  brigadier  general  within  ten  days  from  the  date  of  his 
reduction.  The  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent  at  home  in  Elgin 
among  the  friends  of  his  youth.  He  is  buried  in  the  old  Elgin  cemetery 
where  are  interred,  it  is  believed,  all  the  other  members  of  his  family  or 
relatives  save  one  or  two.  He  was  a  man  of  such  generous  disposition 
and  withal  so  genial  and  kindly  that  his  friendship  was  a  genuine 
pleasure  to  those  who  knew  him  best.  Cunning  had  no  place  in  his 
breast,  and  want  and  suffering  never  appealed  to  him  in  vain.  He 
suffered  much  in  his  later  years,  but  he  bore  the  suffering  as  became  a 
Christian  and  a  man.  In  early  life  he  had  been  a  great  reader  and  was 
intimately  acquainted  with  the  choicest  works,  both  of  the  English 
classics  and  of  general  literature.  He  was  a  devout  Catholic,  a 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


149 


generous  man  to  all  men  of  all  faiths,  a  soldier  without  fear  and  without 
reproach,  and  in  the  civil  offices  that  he  filled  in  Elgin,  after  his  return 
from  the  war,  whether  as  a  member  of  the  city  council,  or  as  a  member 
of  the  board  of  education,  he  ever  did  his  duty  well  and  honestly,  and 
for  the  best  interests  of  Elgin  and  of  its  people.  Ed.  K. 

Of  the  others  who  volunteered  and  enlisted  from  the  parish  during 
those  trying  times  we  might  name  the  following: 


58th  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  A. 


Wm.  F.  Lynch, 

John  O’Brien, 

John  Murphy, 

John  O’Mara, 

Eugene  Lynch, 

James  O’Brien, 

Michael  Roche, 

Wm.  Walsh, 

Patrick  Haugh, 

Nicholas  Burns, 

Peter  Hines, 

John  Martin, 

Bartholomew  Kelley, 

Thomas  E.  McGrath 

Daniel  Murphy 

James  Quirk, 

Dennis  Morrison, 

Patrick  Reynolds. 

58th  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  B. 

David  J.  Lynch. 

Company  D. 

John  Sheedy. 

Company  G. 

James  Golden, 

Wm.  Hogan. 

Company  H. 

Thomas  Ryan, 

John  Sherman. 

Company  I. 

Philip  Heelan, 

Patrick  McEvoy, 

David  Bradley, 

Jeremiah  Mahoney. 

James  Burns, 

James  Scanlan, 

James  Costello, 

Joseph  Tynell, 

Patrick  Coleman, 

Richard  Collins, 

Edward  Gallagher, 

Thomas  Cooney, 

Michael  Gartland, 

John  Clancy, 

James  Heffernan, 

Thomas  Connery, 

Anthony  McBraiarty, 

Edward  Gubbins, 

Patrick  Kinney, 

Edward  Keating. 

150 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


7th  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  A. 

J.  R.  Kinney,  James  O’Donnell, 

John  Murphy,  B.  Sweeney. 


64th  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  C. 

Bartholomew  Kelley,  Martin  Tansey,  afterwards  in 

Wm.  Welch,  the  27th  Missouri. 


65th  Illinois,  Company  A. 
Hugh  Henry. 

Michael  Dunn, 

Milton  Earin, 

Daniel  Flynn, 


69th  Illinois,  Company  B. 

John  Flynn, 
Richard  Keogh, 
Philip  Brennan. 


127th  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  C. 


Alex  Dennis, 

Louis  Little, 

Patrick  O’Flaherty, 

James  L.  Sheehan, 

Patrick  Wallace, 

P. 


John  Wallace, 

John  McCartney, 
Edmund  Dougherty, 
John  Maher, 
Michael  Murray, 

.  Dooley. 


Company  I. 
Joseph  Corby,  Jr. 


36th  Illinois  Volunteers. 
Peter  Little. 


105th  Illinois  Volunteers. 
Patrick  Keating. 


Thomas  Mann, 
Michael  Guilfoil, 
Wm.  R.  Halligan, 


55th  Illinois. 

John  Guilford, 
John  Shields, 
John  Guilfoil, 
Timothy  Donovan. 


17th  Illinois  Cavalry,  Company  H. 
Timothy  Donovan. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


151 


Anthony  Handley, 
Thomas  Rodgers, 

89th  Illinois. 

James  Duhy, 

John  Connor. 

52nd  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  I. 
John  Quinlan. 


Wm.  Barrett, 

Patrick  Murray, 

John  Murray, 

Company  K. 

Michael  McCarthy, 
Daniel  P.  McGahey, 
Sebastian  Pfister, 
John  Reinhart. 

141st  Illinois  Volunteers,  Company  B. 
Mark  F.  Kernan,  John  F.  Larkin. 


Patrick  Ford, 

Company  D. 

Patrick  O’Malley. 

Company  E. 

John  Dillion. 

Wm.  Fadden, 

Eugene  I.  Casey, 
John  Carroll, 
Timothy  Hays, 

Company  G. 

Charles  McBraiarty, 
Patrick  Murphy, 
George  Doherty, 
Peter  Welsh. 

John  McCoy, 

Company  K. 

John  Sullivan. 

153rd  Illinois,  Company  C. 
Thomas  Dougherty,  John  Flynn, 


John  Dougherty, 

George  J.  Walsh, 
Lawrence  Walsh. 

1 2th  Illinois  Cavalry,  Company  H. 

W.  M.  McNoughton,  David  McGee, 

Christopher  McGrath,  John  Shields. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souienir 


15th  Illinois  Cavalry,  Company  I. 
Richard  Larkin. 


Company  K. 


William  Donovan, 

Robert  Gallagher, 

Robert  Collins, 

Wm.  Meehan, 

Charles  Collins, 

John  Muldoon, 

Patrick  Glennon, 

Jeremiah  Phelan. 

Renwick’s 

Elgin  Battery. 

James  Collins, 

Michael  Kennedy, 

Mathew  Corrigan, 

Eugene  Kennedy, 

Daniel  Cullen, 

Michael  Lynch, 

Patrick  Corbett, 

John  W.  Mahoney, 

Richard  Doyle, 

Thomas  McGuire, 

John  Dailey, 

Michael  McGowen, 

John  Dolan, 

Joseph  O’Connor, 

Andrew  Deignan, 

John  O’Brien, 

Thomas  Dwyer, 

John  Powers, 

James  Deignan, 

Patrick  Quinn, 

Milton  Earin, 

Charles  Reardon, 

Patrick  H.  Flynn, 

James  Roche, 

John  Foley, 

James  Reily, 

James  Grady, 

John  Sweeney, 

Wm.  Hanlon, 

John  Walsh, 

Patrick  Hughes, 

John  Ward. 

Among  the  Bovs  of  ’98. 


It  was  nearly  midnight  on  April  25,  1898,  when  Colonel  Bennett 
of  the  Third  Illinois  Volunteers  received  orders  to  report  by  April  27th 
at  Springfield  with  the  Third  Infantry.  April  26th,  at  about  7  a.  m.,  every 
whistle  in  Elgin  sounded  the  awful  alarm.  Anxious  mothers  and  fath¬ 
ers,  loving  wives,  sisters  and  sweethearts  knew  what  that  meant  to 
them;  their  boys  in  blue  were  called  to  fight  in  their  country’s  cause, 
and  fight  they  would  ;  for  a  finer,  braver  or  more  manly  lot  of  fellows 
never  went  forth  than  the  Illinois  Third. 

Elgin  was  not  behind  in  sending  forth  her  boys.  Besides  the 
members  of  the  Third  Regiment,  many  volunteers  left  their  homes  and 
joined  other  regiments.  They  went  to  Springfield  and  were  examined 
by  the  doctors,  and  were  mustered  into  Uncle  Sam’s  service.  May  8, 
1898,  the  second  call  was  made,  when  many  more  Elgin  boys  went;  and 
even  a  third  call  was  made  later  in  the  same  month.  On  May  14, 
1898,  they  left  Springfield  for  Chickamauga  Park,  via  the  Illinois  Cen¬ 
tral  railroad,  and  arrived  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  May  16,  1898.  The 
regiment  marched  from  Roseville  to  Snodgrass  Hill,  an  historic  spot  in 
Chickamauga  Park.  The  next  morning,  they  marched  to  Kelley’s  field, 
where  they  remained  till  ordered  to  Puerto  Rico.  July  22nd,  they  took 
cars  for  Newport  News,  and  on  July  28th  they  embarked  on  the  auxil¬ 
iary  cruiser  “  St.  Louis  ”  for  Puerto  Rico.  After  a  pleasant  and  quick 
voyage  the  boat  cast  anchor  off  Ponce,  Puerto  Rico,  landing  at  Arroyo, 
August  3rd.  When  the  men  reached  the  shore  they  buckled  on  their 
cartridge  belts,  loaded  their  rifles,  under  orders  from  Major  Jackson, 
and  started  on  the  double  quick  for  the  foot  of  the  mountains.  The 
stars  and  stripes  were  raised  on  the  Custom  House  by  the  Third  Illinois, 
and  the  officer  of  the  port  and  the  mayor  of  the  city  were  arrested  by 
Colonel  Bennett.  Major  Caughey  with  the  Third  Battalion  landed  last  and 
patrolled  the  town.  The  Third  was  on  the  skirmish  line  thirty-six  hours, 
but  not  an  Illinois  man  was  injured ;  and  on  the  second  day  the  enemy 
was  driven  into  the  mountains. 


1 54 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


155 


The  boys  suffered  great  hardships  and  privations;  sleeping  on  wet, 
muddy  ground,  many  of  them  caught  colds  which  resulted  in  their  deaths. 

Father  Sherman,  son  of  General  Sherman,  was  with  the  boys,  and 
said  mass  in  the  open  air.  Among  the  Catholic  boys  who  went  from 
Elgin  were  :  William  I.  McCarthy,  Thomas  F.  McCarthy,  Cosmas  Zim¬ 
merman,  Frank  McQueeney,  Joe  Howard,  Harry  Howard,  D.  Hen¬ 
nessey,  Jas.  Hennessey,  F.  Gilles,  John  Farrell,  Joseph  Farrell,  Wm. 
Flaharty  and  Martin  Connelly. 

They  sailed  from  Guyama,  Puerto  Rico,  on  November  2nd,  on  the 
“  Romania,”  and  arrived  in  New  York  on  November  9th,  and  in  Elgin,  on 
the  1  ith  of  November.  Elgin  gave  them  a  hearty  welcome  home,  and  the 
name  of  the  Third  Illinois  will  ever  be  near  and  dear  to  the  boys  who 
went  to  war,  and  to  those  who  loved  them  most. 

Wm.  I.  McCarthy. 


History  ot  St.  Mary’s  Choirs. 


Nearly  half  a  century  ago  the  congregation  gathered  one  Sunday 
morn  in  the  church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  to  attend  mass, 
heard  not  as  heretofore  a  low  mass,  but  a  high  mass  sung  by  Father 
Gallagher,  while  the  strains  of  Peter’s  mass,  rendered  by  a  choir  of  Elgin’s 
best  musicians,  filled  the  small  building  and  found  a  ready  echo  in  the 
hearts  of  the  sturdy  worshipers. 

That  mass,  rendered  in  the  fall  of  1854,  is  the  first  record  of  a  choir 
at  St.  Mary’s  Church  in  Elgin.  No  other  singers  (grander  though  they 
may  have  been)  ever  had  more  appreciative  listeners  than  ihis  pioneer 
choir,  which  struggled  for  many  months  under  difficulties  unknown  to 
choirs  of  the  present  day. 

The  instrument  used  on  this  occasion  was  a  small  melodeon,  two 
by  three  feet,  carried  that  Sunday,  and  many  following  Sundays,  on 
the  shoulders  of  Peter  Little,  from  the  west  side  of  the  river,  a  distance 
of  nearly  a  mile.  The  organist  and  leader,  Miss  Julia  Little,  with  her 
choir,  composed  of  Michael  Mann,  Peter  Little,  Joseph  Little,  Joseph 
Fordrecher,  Eliza  Connor  and  Bridget  Dooley,  felt  more  than  repaid 
by  the  heartfelt  gratitude  and  praise  received  from  each  member  of  the 
congregation. 

Miss  Little  was  succeeded  in  the  fall  of  ’58  by  Mr.  Fred  C.  Kothe 
as  organist,  and  Mr.  Mitchell  as  leader  and  instructor.  Under  their 
joint  supervision,  the  choir  rapidly  increased  in  members  and  excellence. 
On  great  church  festivals  they  were  assisted  by  an  orchestra  composed 
of  Henry  Tetzner,  Frank  Preston,  William  Saunders,  Wallace  Saunders 
Christian  Sexaner,  Joseph  Fordrecher  and  Nic.  Hereth.  The  members 
of  the  choir  were  the  Misses  Julia  Clifford,  Margaret  Clifford,  Mary  Clif¬ 
ford,  Kate  Meehan,  Mary  Meehan,  Mary  Spillard,  Barbara  Straussell, 
Theresa  Lynch,  Maggie  Blake,  Jennie  Connor,  Rose  Gaffney  and  Eliza¬ 
beth  Tierney,  and  the  Messrs.  Dan.  Spillard,  James  Sheehan,  Pat. 
Laughlin,  Joseph  Corby,  Matthew  Duhy,  John  Meehan,  Michael  Mann, 


1 57 


158 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


John  Fitzgerald,  and  Mr.  Louis  Brown  of  South  Elgin.  Mrs.  Charles 
Mack  also  sang  on  special  occasions. 

Under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  Mitchell,  members  of  this  choir 
formed  themselves  into  a  Glee  Club  which  was  a  credit  to  Elgin.  Gray¬ 
haired  singers  still  recall  with  pleasure  and  pride  the  many  gatherings 
of  this  club,  especially  the  picnic  held  August  15,  i860,  in  Colby’s 
Grove  on  Park  street,  where  James  Sheehan’s  house  now  stands  ;  and 
the  eye  will  sparkle  and  a  glow  come  to  the  faded  cheek  as  they  tell  of 
the  band  and  large  parade  which  were  features  of  that  well-remembered 
day. 

Mr.  Kothe  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Tim.  McCarthy,  a  young  man  of 
much  musical  ability.  After  him  came  Matt.  Duhy  and  Miss  Ella 
McOsker.  The  last  two  named  kindly  gave  their  services  in  the 
absence  of  a  regular  organist,  until  such  could  be  obtained.  The 
pastor,  Father  Fitzsimmons,  was  fortunate  in  securing  the  services  of 
Miss  Kate  Quinlan  (1870)  of  Woodstock,  Ill.,  who  was  the  possessor 
of  a  rich  soprano  voice,  as  well  as  an  accomplished  player.  Under  her 
eadership  the  choir  made  rapid  progress.  Misses  Kate  Meehan, 
Mary  Tierney,  Elizabeth  Tierney,  Mary  Fitzgerald  and  Miss  Haggerty, 
Messrs.  John  Fitzgerald,  Frank  Welna  and  Jerry  Spillard,  were  members 
of  her  choir.  This  choir  on  special  occasions  sang  Haydn’s  mass 
in  D. 

Miss  Quinlan  was  succeeded  by  Mrs.  Coffin,  whose  choir  was  com¬ 
posed  of  Misses  Mary  Tierney,  Emma  Clifford,  Nellie  Fitzgerald, 
Nellie  Lynch,  Mary  and  Josephine  Dennis,  Lizzie  Hippie,  Susie  Spil¬ 
lard,  Mrs.  Frank  Welna,  Messrs.  Headly  and  Frank  Welna.  Mrs. 
Coffin  played  but  a  short  time,  and  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Josephine 
Dennis,  who  played  for  only  a  few  months.  Following  Miss  Dennis 
came  Miss  Lizzie  Hippie,  who  played  from  the  early  seventies  for  a 
period  of  thirteen  years.  Much  of  her  early  success  was  due  to  Father 
Fitzsimmons,  the  pastor,  who  encouraged  and  assisted  her  in  every  pos¬ 
sible  way.  He  took  the  utmost  interest  in  the  choir,  and  every  member 
felt  it  a  pleasure  to  sing  during  his  service  as  pastor.  During  her  long 
service  Miss  Hippie  counted  among  her  singers  the  best  of  St.  Mary’s 
musical  talent,  who  will  recall  with  pleasure  the  many  hours  of  choir 
practice  spent  in  preparing  for  the  sacred  festivals,  and  be  glad  that  by 
their  singing  they  rendered  the  services  more  impressive  by  giving  freely 
of  their  voices  to  Him  who  bestowed  them.  Following  are  the  names, 
as  near  as  she  can  recall  them,  of  those  who  sang  with  her  :  Misses 


FORMER  CHOIR  MEMBERS. 

1.  Mr.  Fred.  C.  Kothe,  4.  Miss  Mary  Tierney, 

2.  Mrs.  Fred.  C.  Kothe,  5.  Miss  Ella  McOsker, 

Miss  Kate  Quinlan,  6.  Mr.  Matt.  Duhy. 


3- 


160 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Mary  and  Katie  Miller,  Eva,  Anna,  Laura  and  Lena  Quernheim, 
Jennie  Hippie,  Julia  Logan,  Lydia  Collins,  May  Grant,  Lizzie  Conway, 
Lizzie  and  Kittie  Guilfoil,  Maggie  and  Delia  Ryan,  Addie  Rippstine, 
Sarah  O’Flaherty,  Annie  Fitzsimmons,  Mary  Harrington,  Etta  and 
Thresa  Schevers,  Rose,  Marne,  Annie  and  Adell  Kasser,  Mary  Miller, 
Mrs.  Frank  Welna,  Mrs.  Schmidt,  Messrs.  Frank  Welna,  Leo  McOsker, 
Jerry  Ryan,  John  Sheedy,  Dan.  E.  Maloney,  Con.  M.  Buel,  John  Ryan, 


FORMER  CHOIR  MEMBERS. 

1.  Miss  Lena  Quernheim,  5.  Jennie  Hippie, 

2.  Leo.  McOsker,  6.  Mary  Miller. 

3.  Frank  Welna,  7.  Lizzie  Hippie, 

4.  Jerry  Ryan,  8.  Mrs.  Frank  Welna. 

Jerry  Doherty,  Tom.  Flemming,  Tom.  Gaffney,  Basil  Davis,  Geo. 
Murray,  Victor  Kasser,  Herman  Loeding,  Paul  Jander.  Harry  A. 
Dorley,  Thomas  J.  Herlihy. 

Miss  Eva  Lynch  followed  Miss  Hippie  (1887)  with  a  choir  of 
young  singers,  trained  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Mary’s  Academy.  Father 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 

-  o 


161 


Mackin  soon  secured  the  services  of  Mr.  Oliver  as  leader.  They  made 
rapid  progress  and  were  soon  singing  Farmer’s  and  Millard's  masses. 

Father  Mackin,  in  his  kind,  fatherly  way,  was  very  fond  and  proud 
of  his  “boys  and  girls,”  as  he  called  them.  They  were  Misses  Frankie 
Fitzsimmons,  Nellie  Jones,  Marne  Smith,  Maine  and  Kate  Connor, 
Kate  Murphy,  Messrs.  James  Meehan,  Edward  Meehan  and  Stafford 
McOsker.  Miss  Lynch  was  followed  in  September,  1891,  by  Miss 


FORMER  CHOIR  MEMBERS. 


I 

o 

3 

4 

5 

6 


Basil  Davis, 
Theresa  Schevers, 
Con.  M.  Buel, 
Lydia  Collins, 
Herman  Loeding, 
Sarah  O’Flaherty, 


7- 

8. 

9. 

10. 

1 1. 

12. 

Mary  Harrington. 


Harry  A.  Dorley, 
Etta  Schevers, 
Lizzie  Hippie, 
Rose  Kasser, 
Thos.  J.  Herlihy, 
Geo.  Murray, 


Nellie  Jones,  who  played  but  a  few  months,  assisted  by  Mr.  T.  J. 
Flerlihy  as  leader.  After  Miss  Jones’  service  Miss  Marne  Lindsay 
was  organist  for  a  short  time,  with  Mr.  Frank  Rogers  as  leader.  Miss 


162 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Ella  Keating  succeeded  Miss  Lindsay  with  the  same  choir.  A  new 
member  was  Mr.  Thos.  Ryan,  one  of  Elgin’s  finest  baritone  singers. 
He  sacrificed  his  life  for  his  country  in  the  Spanish  war. 

Miss  Marne  Kasser  followed  Miss  Keating  and  with  her  sister  Miss 
Rose,  as  leader,  succeeded  in  establishing  and  keeping  up  a  fine  choir. 
The  following  well-known  singers  sang  during  her  service  of  five  years: 
Misses  Nellie  Jones,  Lottie  Jenkins,  Maine  Kelly,  Miss  Mullen,  Kate 
Murphy,  Maine  Connor,  Anna  Lynch,  Josephine  Lynch,  Eva  Quern- 
heim,  Laura  Quernheim,  Mesdames  Eugenia  Cook,  Frank  Spillard, 
Harry  Daveler,  James  Meehan,  Mary  Clyne,  and  the  Messrs.  Thos. 
J.  Herlihy,  Harry  Dorley,  James  Meehan,  Edward  Meehan,  Stafford 
McOsker,  Geo.  Bowes,  William  Ludford,  David  Burzell,  Henry  Herbert, 
Ed.  Kohn,  John  Thiele,  John  Murphy,  Ed.  Schevers,  Bernard  Schevers, 
Fred  Mumme,  Harry  Kasser,  Otto  Peabody. 

The  program  for  Christmas,  1899,  the  first  service  in  the  new 
church,  was  exceptionally  good  and  showed  careful  and  efficient  train¬ 
ing.  Parts  of  Farmer’s  and  Ganss’  masses  were  sung.  A  week  later, 
on  New  Year’s  Eve,  was  held  that  grand  and  inspiring  service,  a  mid¬ 
night  mass.  The  following  program,  especially  the  offertory,  was  ren¬ 
dered  in  a  most  artistic  manner  :  Ganss’  mass,  offertory,  Heavenly 
Light,”  soprano  solo,  with  violin  obligato,  Miss  Rose  Kasser  and  Harry 
Miller;  closing  hymn,  “  Glorious  is  Thy  Name,  O  Lord,”  Mozart. 

Prof,  von  Plies  succeeded  Miss  Kasser  in  September,  1901,  and 
was  organist  during  the  Jubilee  year.  The  following  were  members  of 
his  choir,  and  sang  at  the  jubilee  and  dedication  of  St.  Mary’s,  October, 
1901  :  Mesdames  Eugenia  Cook,  Carl  Swanson,  H.  A.  Daveler,  F.  A. 
Spillard,  James  Meehan,  Dakin,  Misses  Grace  Tennant,  Tennie  Smith, 
Anna  Lynch,  Josephine  Lynch,  Frances  Lapeski,  and  the  Messrs.  B.  A. 
Schevers,  John  Murphy,  H.  Herbert,  E.  Kohn,  Wm.  Ludford,  F. 
Mumme,  Otto  Peabody,  James  Meehan.  Miss  Nellie  Jones,  of  St. 
Vincent’s  Church,  Chicago,  assisted  the  choir  to  render  the  following 
program  at  the  dedication:  Kyrie,  Mozart ;  Gloria,  Credo,  Sanctus, 
Benedictus,  Agnus  Dei,  Farmer;  Offertory,  Ave  Maria,  Mrs.  F.  A. 
Spillard. 

A  history  of  St.  Mary’s  choir  would  not  be  complete  without 
mentioning  the  singing  of  the  children,  taught  by  the  Sisters  of  the 
academy.  Many  attended  low  mass  because  of  the  beautiful  hymns 
sung  by  the  fresh  young  voices,  and  felt  greater  devotion  in  their 
prayers. 


FORMER  CHOIR  MEMBERS. 


I . 

Annie  Fitzsimmons, 

6. 

Thomas  Ryan, 

2. 

Mary  Miller, 

7- 

Jerry  Doherty, 

3- 

Dan  E.  Maloney, 

8. 

John  Sheedy, 

4- 

Eva  Quernheim, 

9- 

Lenaand  Laura  Quernheim, 

5- 

John  Ryan, 

10. 

Lizzie  Conway, 

ii.  Mrs.  Mary  Clyne. 


164 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Not  many  who  attended  the  children’s  mass  for  the  first  time  in 
the  new  church,  Christmas,  1899,  will  soon  forget  the  “  Adeste,”  sung  by 
the  sweet  young  voices,  or  the  playing  of  “  The  Angels’  Serenade  ”  by 
Misses  Mary  Tobin,  Edna  Walker  and  Annie  Souster  on  their  mando¬ 
lins,  with  Miss  Gertrude  Buel  at  the  organ.  It  truly  seemed  as  though 
the  angel  voices  singing  the  “  Gloria  in  Excelsis  ”  centuries  ago  could 
not  have  been  much  sweeter.  This  number  was  most  appropriately 
followed  by  the  singing  of  the  “  Wondrous  Story,”  and  each  listener 
felt  very  near  the  Crib  of  Bethlehem. 

Misses  Eva  Lynch,  Lucy  Connor,  Edna  Walker  and  Gertrude 
Buel,  music  pupils  of  St.  Mary’s  Academy,  were  organists  for  the 
children’s  choir. 

Miss  Gertrude  Buel  generously  gave  her  time  and  talents  as 
organist  for  over  seven  years.  Many  of  the  above  singers  have  long 
since  joined  the  celestial  choirs  and  the  remaining  ones  who  have  not 
yet  been  allowed  to  enter  the  blessed  portal  of  the  skies,  hope  and 
trust  that  in  a  future  happy  home  they  may  swell  that  joyful  chorus  on 
high,  even  as  they  gave  of  their  best  here  while  singing  the  praises  of 
God  in  St.  Mary’s. 


Mrs.  Harry  Dorley. 


<«  »*  J*  Ji 


■»— | 


St.  Mary’s  Academy. 


Until  the  year  1880  there  was  no  Catholic  school  in  Elgin.  No 
Catholic  school  ?  Rather,  every  Catholic  home,  though  but  a  cabin, 
was  a  school  in  itself. 

There,  the  fathers  and  mothers,  who,  through  adverse  circumstances, 
if  not  fleeing  from  tyranny  and  oppression,  had  left  other  lands,  with  all 
that  tender  association  and  long  established  Catholic  faith  had  made 
unspeakably  dear,  laid  the  foundations  of  true  Christian  education. 

There,  though  obliged  to  toil  early  and  late  for  the  necessities  of 
life,  they  taught  their  children  the  grand  truths  of  Catholic  faith,  the 
same  prayers  which  had  been  on  the  lips  of  the  wisest  and  holiest 
through  all  the  Christian  ages,  and  by  their  example  taught  still  more 
eloquently  self-denial,  honesty  and  charity. 

They  were  surrounded  with  difficulties.  In  a  new  land,  where  civ¬ 
ilization  itself  had  scarcely  been  established,  they  had  to  endure  cold  and 
heat,  loneliness  and  poverty,  and  often  the  taunts  and  jeers  of  neigh¬ 
bors,  hostile  to  them  and  to  their  holy  faith.  Did  they  falter  ?  Did 
they  give  up  one  single  principle  of  religion  in  order  to  conform  to  the 
easy-going  ideas  of  those  outside  the  church  ?  On  the  contrary,  the 
errors  and  indifference  of  others  were  but  spurs  to  urge  them  to 
renewed  effort  to  guide  the  little  souls  entrusted  to  their  care  safe  into 
the  one  fold  of  the  one  Shepherd. 

They  were  in  earnest,  these  men  and  women,  and  enforced  parental 
authority  with  a  vigor  that  might  be  wholesome  if  put  in  practice 
today.  They  impressed  upon  the  child’s  mind  the  fact  that  lessons  must 
be  learned,  regardless  of  indolence  or  caprice.  It  is  not  unlikely,  as 
regards  the  effect  of  this  training,  that  many  who,  decades  of  years  ago, 
were  taught  the  Catechism  under  their  supervision  could  today,  if  given 
a  little  start  on  the  first  question,  rattle  off  the  whole  Catechism,  ques¬ 
tion  and  answer,  without  pause,  and  with  the  old  time  stumble  upon  the 
big  words. 


J 


GIRLS  OF  FIRST  COMMUNION  CLASS,  1900. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


lf58 


Ah,  yes  !  they  were  good  teachers,  and  the  wonder  is,  not  that  the 
children  who  grew  up  amidst  the  rude  conditions  of  pioneer  life  in 
Elgin  should  have  kept  the  faith,  but  that  any  of  them  could  possibly 
forget  the  lessons  of  such  teachers. 

Bishop  Spalding  says  that  a  father  or  mother,  simple  and  unlet¬ 
tered,  but  endowed  with  good  sense  and  love  of  truth  and  justice,  has 
a  more  lasting  educational  influence  on  the  child  than  can  be  exerted 
by  a  doctor  of  a  university. 

But  as  time  went  on,  with  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  city 
came  evils  and  temptations  which  weakened  the  influence  of  Christian 
homes,  and  the  good  seed  in  good  ground  was,  all  too  often,  choked  by 
the  tares,  everywhere  abounding.  The  Catholics  of  Elgin  saw  that 
their  only  hope  lay  in  good  Catholic  schools,  where  the  priceless  inher¬ 
itance  of  faith  would  be  guarded,  where  heait  and  mind  and  soul  alike 
would  be  educated,  and  where  truth  would  illumine  young  minds  to  see 
and  spurn  error.  Their  zealous  pastor,  Father  Fitzsimmons,  was  most 
anxious  to  provide  a  parochial  school,  and  early  in  the  ’7 o’s  sought  for 
a  suitable  site.  He  bought  a  lot  on  Villa  street,  began  the  erection  of 
a  school,  and  although  the  completion  of  the  building  was  delayed  for 
some  years,  owing  to  lack  of  funds,  the  stately  edifice  now  known  far 
and  near  as  St.  Mary’s  Academy  is  the  outcome  of  this  generous  effort. 

In  1878  Father  Mackin,  who  had  succeeded  Father  Fitzsimmons 
as  pastor,  with  the  approval  of  Bishop  Foley,  invited  the  Sisters  of 
Charity  of  the  B.  V.  M.  to  purchase  the  school  property  and  open  a 
pirochial  school.  These  Sisters,  whose  mother-house  is  at  Dubuque, 
had  the  reputation  of  being  great  teachers,  and  Father  Mackin  was  well 
pleased  when  he  secured  their  services  for  Elgin. 

The  Sisters,  on  taking  the  property,  assumed  the  mortgage  of  four 
thousand  dollars  already  on  it,  and  at  a  cost  of  eight  thousand  more 
completed  and  furnished  the  building.  It  was  agreed,  also,  that  a  cer¬ 
tain  sum  be  paid  annually  by  the  parish  for  the  support  of  the  free 
school.  In  February,  1880,  the  girls’  school  was  opened  by  Sister  M. 
Agatha,  Superior,  Sisters  M.  Alexis,  M.  Severin,  M.  Theodore,  M.  Eliz¬ 
abeth  and  M.  Emerentia,  under  the  direction  of  Sister  M.  Olympia. 

Father  Mackin  gave  the  school  every  aid  and  encouragement.  The 
Catholics  eagerly  availed  themselves  of  its  advantages,  some  making 
great  sacrifices  in  order  to  send  their  children  there.  Some  non-Catho- 
lics  also  quickly  recognized  its  superiority  and  sent  their  children  to  the 
school. 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


169 


The  musical  department,  being  under  the  direction  of  teachers  emi¬ 
nently  fitted  for  the  position,  was  immediately  appreciated,  and  very 
soon  the  Sisters,  by  unfailing  kindness,  gentleness  and  patience,  had 
won  all  hearts.  They  were  cultured  and  experienced  teachers,  and 
entered  upon  their  duties  with  zeal. 

Besides  the  arduous  labors  of  the  school  room,  the  Sisters  also 
took  charge  of  the  Sunday  school,  were  active  in  works  of  charity,  and 


ST.  MARY’S  ACADEMY. 


their  coming  was  felt  by  all  to  be  a  blessing.  While  working  earnestly 
for  the  girls  of  the  parish,  the  Sisters  aimed  also  to  provide  for  the 
boys,  and  in  the  year  1886  Sister  M.  Hillary,  the  Superior,  opened  a 
department  for  them. 

This  department,  duting  the  sixteen  years  of  its  existence,  has  been 
noted  for  giving  the  pupils  thorough  training  in  the  common  studies, 
thus  fitting  them  for  practical  business  life.  Better  than  this,  it  has 
done  untold  good  in  cultivating  in  the  boys  habits  of  neatness  and 


FIRST  COMMUNION  CLASS.  1901. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


171 


industry;  in  guarding  them  from  evil  example,  awakening  conscience  to 
shun  the  vices  so  rampant  amongst  the  boys  around  them.  The  Sisters 
had  encouraged  all  pupils,  during  the  second  year  in  the  academic 
course,  to  try  for  teachers’  certificates  at  the  public  examinations  of  the 
county  superintendent.  That  the  pupils  have  been  remarkably  suc¬ 
cessful  in  obtaining  these  certificates  is  evidence  of  the  thoroughness 
of  their  teaching.  St.  Mary’s  Academy  is  recognized  as  a  first-class 
school  by  other  educational  institutions,  notably,  the  normal  schools, 
where  its  pupils  are  admitted  as  coming  from  a  reputable  school,  and 
where  they  have  succeeded  in  passing  most  rigid  examinations.  During 
the  twenty  odd  years  of  its  existence  St.  Mary’s  Academy  has  had  eight 
Superiors,  namely  :  Sisters  M.  Theodore,  M.  Angela,  M.  Hillary,  M. 
Fredrica,  M.  Alexis,  M.  Annunciata,  M.  Theodore  and  M.  Ignatia. 
These  have  all  been  teachers  of  the  highest  attainments,  gifted  with  rare 
talent  and  zeal,  and  possessing  business  ability  which  has  placed  the 
finances  of  the  school  in  a  satisfactory  state  of  improvement.  The 
pupils  who  have  graduated  from  St.  Mary’s  Academy  are  now,  with 
credit  to  themselves  and  their  alma  mater,  filling  various  positions,  both 
in  the  home  and  as  artists,  teachers,  musicians,  business  people,  and 
one,  having  chosen  the  higher  life,  is  now  Mother  Superior  in  a  large 
convent  of  the  order. 

Whether  numbered  amongst  these  or  in  whatever  walk  of  life 
Providence  may  have  placed  them,  each  has  the  opportunity  to  bear 
witness  to  the  effect  of  St.  Mary’s  teaching,  by  unselfishness  and  help¬ 
fulness,  by  devotion  to  duty,  and  unceasing  effort  to  attain  to  high  ideals 
of  wisdom  and  virtue.  To  such  a  one,  however  lowly  her  station,  St. 
Mary’s  Academy  offers  the  laurel  wreath  of  approval,  and  points  with 
satisfaction,  as  the  result  of  Christian  education.  And  now,  after  nearly 
a  quarter  century’s  existence,  here  is  St.  Mary’s  Academy  in  the  front 
rank  of  educational  institutions,  with  a  reputation  for  tireless  effort  and 
good  results.  Determined  to  advance,  she  unites  with  all  Catholic  in¬ 
stitutions  of  learning,  and,  as  they  face  the  hosts  of  schools  whose 
curriculum  includes  everything  but  knowledge  of  God,  and  who  are 
made  powerful  by  unlimited  means  and  the  patronage  of  the  multitude, 
they  hold  aloft  the  banner  of  Christian  education  and  proclaim  to  the 
world,  though  it  be  well  nigh  deaf  to  the  cry,  that  Godless  education 
leads  back  to  paganism;  that  the  relation  of  the  creature  to  its  Creator 
is  the  alpha  and  omega  of  knowledge ;  that  to  elevate  the  human  above 
the  brute,  heart  and  mind  and  soul  alike  must  be  educated.  They  fal- 


FIRST  COMMUNION  CLASS,  MAY  2G,  1902. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  111. 


173 


ter  not  at  the  inequality  of  the  struggle;  but,  eager  to  save  immortal 
souls,  they  stand  their  ground,  convinced  that  right  is  might.  They 
confidently  look  for  aid  from  all  right-minded  people,  and  knowing  that 
God  will  never  permit  the  darkness  of  unbelief  to  overshadow  faithful 
souls,  they  listen  even  now  for  the  voice  of  the  little  child  of  the  future, 
crying,  “Lead,  Kindly  Light.” 


GRADUATES. 


Miss  Anna  Meehan, 

Miss  Julia  Burke, 

Miss  Anna  Lynch, 

Miss  Maud  Blanchard, 

Miss  Miranda  Dougherty, 

Miss  Agnes  Mann, 

Miss  Catherine  Connor, 

Miss  Ella  Keating, 

Miss  Ella  Jones, 

Miss  Mary  O’Bierne, 

Miss  Frances  Fitz  Simmons, 

Miss  Catherine  Lvnch, 

* 

Miss  Mary  Heslin, 

Miss  Caroline  Lewis, 

Miss  Grace  Keating, 

Miss  Mary  Lynch, 

Miss  Mary  Mann, 

Miss  Mary  Tennant, 

Miss  Anna  Flynn, 


Miss  May  Keating, 

Miss  Teresa  Zimmerman, 
Miss  Jennie  Wickham, 
Miss  Lucy  Connor, 

Miss  Nora  Keating. 

Miss  Josephine  Flynn, 
Miss  Bernice  Stone, 

Miss  Grace  Tennant, 

Miss  Leonore  Tobin, 

Miss  Alice  Heslin, 

Miss  Elizabeth  Jordan, 
Miss  Mary  Kelly, 

Miss  Teresa  Roche, 

Miss  Margaret  O’Brien, 
Miss  Marie  Murphy, 

Miss  Edna  Walker, 

Miss  Gertrude  Buel, 

Miss  Catherine  Freeman. 

Helen  Duhy. 


f 


FIRST  COMMUNION  CLASS, 1SUNDAY.JMAY  20,  1902 


Societies  and  Clubs  of  St.  Mary  s  Parish. 


ELGIN  COURT,  No.  137,  C.  O.  F. 


The  preliminary  meeting  for  organizing  a  court  of  the  Catholic 
Order  of  Foresters  was  held  at  St.  Mary’s  Academy,  January  14,  1890, 
and  was  called  to  order  by  Mr.  John  Ward  of  Chicago.  The  necessity 
of  a  Catholic  organization  was  recognized  by  all  present  and  the  result 
of  this  meeting  was  a  canvass  among  the  men  of  St.  Mary’s  parish  and 
a  ready  response  to  form  a  permanent  court  in  Elgin.  On  February  4th 
twenty-six  men  met  at  the  committee  rooms  of  Turner  Hall,  and  were 
duly  initiated  as  members  of  Elgin  Court,  No.  137,  C.  O.  F.,  by  High 
Chief  Ranger  J.  P.  Lauth  of  Chicago,  assisted  by  Deputy  Organizer 
Ward  of  the  same  city.  The  following  officers  were  chosen  to  preside 
over  the  affairs  of  the  court  : 

Chief  Ranger . James  Meehan. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Paul  Jander. 

Recording  Secretary . John  F.  O’Connor. 

Financial  Secretary . Joseph  H.  Jones. 

Treasurer . C.  M.  Buel. 


Trustees 


Senior  Conductor 
Junior  Conductor 
Inside  Sentinel. .  . 


.  S.  J.  McOsker 
.  Jos.  F.  Ryan. 

.  H.  A.  Dorley. 


Outside  Sentinel  .  . 
Medical  Examiner 


Dr.  C.  E.  Starrett. 


The  history  of  Elgin  court  since  its  inception  has  been  one  of 
harmony,  progress  and  prosperity,  and  from  its  humble  beginning  it 
has  grown  to  its  present  large  proportions  with  a  total  membership  of 
over  190  members,  and  is  conceded  to  be  second  to  none  in  the  entire 
organization  for  progressiveness  and  the  successful  conduct  of  its 
business  management. 


175 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


176 


Sick  and  death  benefits  are  the  prominent  features  of  this  fraternal 
organization,  and  the  grand  total  of  funds  disbursed  by  Elgin  court  to 
sick  and  deceased  members  is  a  record  to  which  its  members  point 
with  pride,  conscious  of  having  by  organized  efforts,  relieved  many  cases 
of  want  and  suffering. 

Catholicity  and  its  upbuilding  have  ever  been  promoted  by  Elgin 
court  through  a  strict  adherence  to  the  religious  obligations,  which  the 
order  imposes,  and  the  united  efforts  of  its  members  in  sustaining  our 
church  and  school.  Nor  has  Elgin  court  been  remiss  in  fostering  the 
social  life  of  St.  Mary's  parish;  picnics,  balls  and  entertainments, 
whether  for  gain  or  diversion,  have  during  the  life  of  Elgin  court  fur¬ 
nished  many  hours  of  social  intercourse  which  have  united  in  closer 
bonds  of  friendship  the  members  of  this  parish. 


,  OFFICERS,  FEBRUARY  4,  1890. 

Chief  Ranger . James  Meehan. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Paul  Jander. 

Recording  Secretary . John  F.  O’Connor. 

Financial  Secretary . Joseph  H.  Jones. 

Treasurer . Conrad  M.  Buel. 

f  M.  C.  Tobin, 

Trustees . -{  J.  T.  Logan, 

i  Thos.  P.  Sheehan. 

Senior  Conductor . W.  L.  Roche. 

Junior  Conductor . S.  J.  McOsker. 

Inside  Sentinel . Jos.  F.  Ryan. 

Outside  Sentinel . H.  A.  Dorley. 

Medical  Examiner . Dr.  C.  E.  Starrett. 

The  officers  for  1890,  at  the  April  election,  were  same  as  above, 
all  being  re-elected.  J.  P.  Mann  was  elected  to  fill  J.  F.  O’Connor’s 
place  as  Recording  Secretary,  Mr.  O’Connor  being  obliged  to  leave 
the  city. 

OFFICERS  ELECTED  FOR  1891. 

Chief  Ranger . Thos.  P.  Sheehan. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . George  Danner. 

Recording  Secretary . Maurice  Feery. 

Financial  Secretary . Jos.  H.  Jones. 


PRESENT  AND  PAST  CHIEF  RANGERS,  ELGIN  COURT,  No.  137,  C.  O.  F. 


I.  J.  P.  Mann, 

6. 

John  McBride, 

2.  T.  P.  Sheehan, 

7* 

H.  H.  Foy, 

3.  James  Meehan, 

8. 

John  Roche, 

4.  J.  T.  Logan, 

9- 

C.  M.  Buel. 

5.  D.  Gahan,  Jr., 

178 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Treasurer . Thos.  J.  Herlihy. 

fM.  C.  Tobin, 

Trustees . f  J.  T.  Logan, 

1  H.  A.  Dorley. 

Senior  Conductor . W.  L.  Roche. 

Junior  Conductor . S.  J.  McOsker. 

Inside  Sentinel . B.  A.  Schevers. 

Outside  Sentinel . Theo.  M.  Spillard. 

Medical  Examiner . C.  A.  Stone. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1892. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger  . 
Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary. 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor  .  . 
Junior  Conductor  .  . 
Inside  Sentinel.  .  .  . 
Outside  Sentinel 
Medical  Examiner.. 


.  .  John  P.  Mann. 

.  .Geo.  Danner. 

.  .  James  Meehan. 

.  .Joseph  H.  Jones. 

.  .  N.  P.  Weber. 
fM.  C.  Tobin, 
f  J-  T.  Logan, 

[  H.  A.  Dorley. 

.  .Chas.  E.  Sheehan. 
.  .Chas.  Spillard. 

.  .  P.  F.  Harting. 

.  .  Wm.  Naughton. 

.  .  E.  M.  McCeney. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1893. 

Chief  Ranger . John  T.  Logan. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Conrad  M.  Buel. 

Recording  Secretary . James  Meehan. 

Financial  Secretary . Wm.  L.  Roche. 

Treasurer . N.  P.  Weber. 

f  Jas.  M.  Meenagh, 

Trustees . f  Jno.  P.  Mann, 

f  Francis  C.  Fedou. 

Senior  Conductor . 

Junior  Conductor . 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel . 

(  E.  M.  McCeney  and 
Medical  Examiners . {  Dr.  G.  J.  Schneider. 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


179 


OFFICERS  FOR  1894. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . 

Recording  Secretary . 

Financial  Secretary . 

Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor . 

Junior  Conductor . 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel . 

Medical  Examiner . 


.  .John  McBride. 

.  ..C.  E.  Carr. 

.  .James  Meehan. 

.  .  W.  L.  Roche. 

.  .N.  P.  Weber. 

(  J.  M.  Meenagh, 

J.  P.  Mann, 

(  B.  O’Neil. 

.  .J.  F.  Knowles. 

.  .Chas.  E.  Spillard. 
.  .A.  F.  Spillard. 

.  .Thos.  McCue. 

.  .G.  J.  Schneider. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1895. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger  .  . 
Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary.. 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor.  .  . 
Junior  Conductor.  .  . 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel.... 
Medical  Examiner. .  . 


.  .Daniel  Gahan,  Jr. 
.  .John  Roche. 

.  .James  Meehan. 

.  .Thos.  J.  Cleary. 

.  .  N.  P.  Weber. 

fC.  M.  Buel, 

^  J.  P.  Mann, 
l  J.  M.  Meenagh. 

.  .  E.  F.  Mann. 

.  .  Tim.  G.  Jackman. 
.  .  E.  J.  Kohn. 

.  .Timothy  Sullivan. 
.  .H.  J.  Gahagan. 


Chief  Ranger  Daniel  Gahan  resigned  before  his  term  expired. 
Vice  Chief  Ranger  Roche  succeeded  Bro.  Gahan,  and  B.  O’Neil  was 
elected  to  the  office  of  Vice  Chief  Ranger  for  the  unexpired  term. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1896. 

Chief  Ranger . John  Roche. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . B.  O’Neil. 

Recording  Secretary . James  Meehan. 

Financial  Secretary . Thos.  J.  Cleary. 


180 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor 
Junior  Conductor 
Inside  Sentinel  .  . 
Outside  Sentinel  . 
Medical  Examiner 


.  .N.  P.  Weber. 

(  C.  M.  Buel, 

J.  P.  Mann, 

(  j.  M.  Meenagh. 

.  .  J.  G.  Elbert. 

.  .  Jos.  Howard. 

.  .  B.  McQueeney. 

.  .  Eugene  Christie 
.  .  H.  J.  Gahagan. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1897. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger  . . 
Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary. 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor.  .  . 
Junior  Conductor.  .  , 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel 
Medical  Examiner. .  . 


.  .C.  M.  Buel. 

.  .Jos.  H.  Jones. 

.  .  James  Meehan. 

.  .Thos.  J.  Cleary. 
.  .N.  P.  Weber. 

(  M.  C.  Tobin, 

S.  J.  McOsker, 

(  W.  L.  Roche. 

.  .Jos.  Howard. 

.  .W.  J.  O’Brien. 

.  .  Henry  H.  Foy. 

.  .Geo.  Pilcher. 

.  .  H.  J.  Gahagan. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1898. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger  . .  . 
Recording  Secretary. . 
Financial  Secretary. .  . 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor.  .  .  . 
Junior  Conductor.  .  .  . 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel . 

Medical  Examiner. .  .  . 
Spiritual  Director.  .  .  . 


. C.  M.  Buel. 

. Jos.  H.  Jones. 

. James  Meehan. 

. Thos.  J.  Cleary. 

. N.  P.  Weber. 

(  E.  F.  Mann, 

.  .  .  J.  M.  Meenagh, 

(  S.  J.  McOsker. 

. Henry  H.  Foy. 

. Wm.  J.  O’Brien. 

. Thomas  McCarthy. 

. Edward  Kennealy. 

. H.  J.  Gahagan. 

. Rev.  John  Mackin. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elyin,  III. 


181 


OFFICERS  FOR  1899. 

Chief  Ranger . H.  H.  Foy. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . F.  A.  Howard. 

Recording  Secretary . Jas.  Meehan. 

Financial  Secretary . T.  P.  Sheehan. 

Treasurer . N.  P.  Weber. 

(  D.  Frank  Gahan, 

Trustees .  W.  L.  Roche, 

(  A.  F.  Soillard. 

Senior  Conductor . A.  Glass. 

Junior  Conductor . Jas.  O’Bierne. 

Inside  Sentinel . Frank  Ahrens. 

Outside  Sentinel . Jas.  Brahan. 

Medical  Examiner . H.  J.  Gahagan,  M.  D. 

Deputy  High  Chief  Ranger . C.  M.  Buel. 

Chaplain . Rev.  J.  Mackin. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1900. 


Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . 

Recording  Secretary . 

Financial  Secretary . 

Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Senior  Conductor . 

Junior  Conductor . 

Inside  Sentinel . 

Outside  Sentinel . 

Medical  Examiner . 

Deputy  High  Chief  Ranger 
Chaplain . 


.  H.  H.  Foy. 

.  .  F.  A.  Howard. 

.  .  Jas.  Meehan. 

.  .  T.  P.  Sheehan. 

.  .  N.  P.  Weber. 

(  W.  L.  Roche, 

A.  F.  Spillard, 

(  E.  P.  Keating. 

.  .  F.  Ahrens. 

.  .  Thos.  Gannon. 

.  .  Ed.  Larkin. 

.  .A.  W.  Glass. 

.  ,H.  J.  Gahagan,  M.  D. 

.  .C.  M.  Buel. 

.  .  Rev.  John  J.  McCann. 


OFFICERS  FOR  1901. 


Chief  Ranger . C.  M.  Buel. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . T.  J.  Cleary. 

Recording  Secretary . Jas.  Meehan. 


182 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Financial  Secretary . T.  P.  Sheehan. 

Treasurer . N.  P.  Weber. 

\  Frank  O’Flaherty, 

Trustees . -  Wm.  Burke, 

(  Geo.  Danner. 

Senior  Conductor . John  Elbert. 

Junior  Conductor . J.  J.  McGraw. 

Inside  Sentinel . Ed.  Larkin. 

Outside  Sentinel . Joseph  O’Leary. 

Medical  Examiner . Ft.  J.  Gahagan. 

Deputy  High  Chief  Ranger . W.  L.  Roche. 

Chaplain . Rev.  John  J.  McCann 

OFFICERS  FOR  1902. 

Chief  Ranger . C.  M.  Buel. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . D.  C.  Hunter. 

Recording  Secretary . T.  J.  Cleary. 

Financial  Secretary . T.  P.  Sheehan. 

Treasurer . N.  P.  Weber. 

^  F.  O’Flaherty, 

Trustees . -  Ed.  Larkin, 

(  H.  Sturm. 

Senior  Conductor . J.  G.  Elbert. 

Junior  Conductor . F.  J.  Cleary. 

Inside  Sentinel . Wm.  Cannon. 

Outside  Sentinel . Wm.  Anselman. 

Medical  Examiner . H.  J.  Gahagan. 

Deputy  High  Chief  Ranger . W.  L.  Roche. 

Spiritual  Director . Rev.  John  J.  McCann 


ROLL  OF  MEMBERSHIP. 


Aubertin,  N. 
Aubertin,  J.  C. 
Ahrens,  Frank 
Auseon,  Frank 
Anselman,  Wm. 
Buel,  C.  M. 
Burns,  C.  F. 
Bourque,  Fred 
Burns,  Robt. 
Burke,  Daniel 


Brahan,  James 
Burke,  E.  D. 
Bellew,  Francis 
Burns,  M.  F. 
Burke,  Wm. 
Burzell,  David 
Bolger,  G.  F. 
Bopp,  Henry 
Bogonynski,  M. 
Bopp,  Ed.  H. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


183 


Connor,  Matthew 
Copley,  Robt.  J. 
Cox,  Patrick 
Cleary,  T.  J. 

Carr,  C.  E. 

Cleary,  M. 

Crosby,  J.  J. 
Christie,  Eugene 
Cleary,  Frank  J. 
Connor,  J.  T. 
Cannon,  Thos. 
Cassin,  B. 

Dorley,  H.  A. 
Danner,  George 
Doyle,  Miles 
Doherty,  John 
Driscoll,  Chas. 
Doran,  John 
Elbert,  J.  G. 
Eberlein,  M. 
Elbrink,  F.  J. 
Foley,  Wm. 

Fay,  P.  W. 

Foley,  Dr.  E.  A. 
Frymark,  Peter 
Forkins,  James 
Fay,  John 
Frisby,  Edwin 
Freeman,  Patrick 
Farrell,  Wm. 
Farrell,  John 
Fish,  Ed.  P. 
Gahan,  Daniel,  Jr. 
Glennon,  John 
Graham,  P.  J. 
Gahagan,  Dr.  H.  J 
Gannon,  Geo. 
Gannon,  Thos. 


Grady,  Wm. 
Gahan,  D.  F.,  Sr. 
Gahan,  A.  T. 
Gahan,  D.  F.,  Jr. 
Gildea,  Rev.  P. 
Gannon,  Wm. 
Howard,  F.  A. 
Hines,  P.  J. 

Hilley,  George 
Howard,  Joseph 
Hennessey,  John 
Hansberry,  Peter 
Hennessey,  Jas.  F. 
Hunter,  D.  C. 
Higgins,  Ed.  S. 
Jones,  J.  H. 
Jackman,  T.  G. 
Jeffers,  Jas.  W. 
Kray,  John 
Keating,  Ed.  P. 
Kinnane,  M.  H. 
Kennealy,  James 
Kane,  David 
Kannaugh,  J.  F. 
Knowles,  J.  F. 
Keegan,  Jas.  H. 
Kohn,  E.  J. 

Kelley,  C.  H. 
Kennealy,  E.  J. 
Kramer,  P. 

Kelley,  J.  E. 
Kothe,  E.  C. 
Kothe,  John  F. 
Kray,  Jacob 
Logan,  J.  T. 
Logan,  E.  A. 
Lyons,  T.  P. 
Ludford,  Wm. 


184 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Landers,  Win. 

Lies.  H.  J. 

Larkin,  Ed. 
McOsker,  S.  J. 
McKenzie,  Joseph 
McQueeney,  B. 
McCue,  Thos. 
McKeon,  Thos. 
McGarrity,  M. 
McArdle,  J. 
McCarthy,  W. 
McGuire,  Thos. 
McCartney,  J.  A. 
McCormick,  John 
McNamara,  H.  J. 
McCarthy,  Thos.  E.. 
McCorry,  Chas. 
McCarthy,  C.  J. 
McGravv,  J.  J. 
McGarrey,  T.  E. 
McCartney,  G.  P. 
McCann,  Rev.  J.  J. 
McSorley,  Frank 
Meehan,  James 
Meenagh,  James  M. 
Meehan,  E.  J. 

Mann,  J.  P. 

Moran,  P.  J. 
Meehan,  Thos. 
Mann,  E.  F. 

Mullen,  Jas. 
Mulroney,  Jas. 
Meredith,  M. 
Mullen,  H.  P. 
Murphy,  Jeremiah 
Murphy,  J.  I). 
Meyers,  W.  J. 
Naughton,  W.  T  . 
Norton,  Daniel 
O’Rourke,  [as. 
O’Neil,  B. 

O’Connor,  F.  J. 
O’Leary,  John 
O’Brien,  M. 

O’Brien,  W.  J. 
O’Leary,  Joseph 


O’Bierne,  James 
O’Flaherty,  Frank 
Pfister,  Geo. 
Pilcher,  Geo. 
Pendergast,  W.  R. 
Powers,  John 
Phalen,  Edwin 
Pease,  A.  J. 

Quinn,  John 
Roche,  W.  L. 
Roche,  John 
Rice,  John  J. 
Ryan,  John 
Rohles,  John 
Ring,  John  G. 
Roche,  John  F. 
Rohles,  James 
Sheehan,  T.  P. 
Schevers,  B.  A. 
Sturn,  Henry 
Sheehan,  Chas.  E. 
Spillard,  C.  E. 
Schevers,  E.  S. 
Spillard,  A.  F. 
Spillard,  M.  A. 
Spillard,  Theo. 
Shehan,  R.  E. 
Sweeney,  F.  L. 
Smith,  P.  J. 
Sullivan,  Thos. 
Sullivan,  J.  W. 
Tobin,  M.  C. 
Thiel,  J.  J. 
Tiffaney,  D. 
Tennant,  M.  A. 
Tennant,  John 
Weber,  N.  P. 
Ward,  Chas. 
Whalen,  John 
Walsh,  Wm. 
Wagner,  J.  W. 
Wilson,  W.  J. 
Wagner,  Adolph 
Wills,  John  J. 
Ward,  P. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


1 85 


WOMEN’S  CATHOLIC  ORDER  OF  FORESTERS. 

ST.  REGINA  COURT  NO.  92. 

The  Women’s  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  was  founded  in  Chicago, 
July  17,  1891.  A  charter  was  secured  and  the  organization  incorpor¬ 
ated  under  the  insurance  laws  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  January  31,  1894. 

It  is  a  fraternal  beneficiary  society  with  a  ritualistic  form  of  work 
and  a  representative  form  of  government.  Its  objects  are  :  To  pro¬ 
mote  friendship,  unity  and  charity  among  its  members;  to  aid  sick  and 
distressed  sisters,  and  to  provide  for  the  families  of  deceased  members. 
The  endowment  rank  provides  insurance  in  the  sums  of  one  and  two 
thousand  dollars,  as  the  applicant  may  elect. 

Applicants  are  obliged  to  pass  a  rigid  examination  as  to  character 
and  physical  condition.  Catholic  women  between  the  ages  of  eighteen 
and  fifty  years  are  eligible  to  membership. 

The  Women’s  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  has  had  a  very  pros¬ 
perous  career.  It  has  spread  to  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union,  and 
has  a  membership  of  37,000,  560  subordinate  courts,  and  a  reserve  fund 
of  over  $82,000. 

St.  Regina  Court,  No.  92,  W.  C.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  Monday  even¬ 
ing,  October  5,  1896,  at  Knights  of  Pythias  hall,  Elgin,  Ill.  The 
court  was  organized  by  Mrs.  Mary  Rayburn  and  publicly  installed  by 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Rodgers,  founder  and  High  Chief  Ranger  of  the  order. 
The  court  was  the  largest  in  the  State  outside  of  Chicago,  there  being 
forty-four  charter  members  and  twenty  applications  for  membership. 
The  membership  continued  to  increase  rapidly;  167  persons  have  been 
enrolled,  with  a  loss  of  five  by  death.  The  regular  meetings  are  held 
the  first  and  third  Saturday  evenings,  at  Pythian  hall. 

The  annual  banquet  and  reunion  takes  place  about  October  5th, 
the  anniversary  of  the  institution  of  the  court. 

St.  Regina  Court  provides  a  special  benefit  in  the  form  of  a  funeral 
fund.  At  the  death  of  a  member,  $25  is  paid  the  family  or  beneficiary 
of  the  deceased.  A  requiem  mass  is  offered  annually  for  deceased 
members  of  the  court. 

PRESENT  OFFICERS,  1902. 

Chief  Ranger . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger 


Mrs.  Sarah  Norton. 
Mrs.  Annie  McArdle. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Recording  Secretary . Miss  Julia  Butler. 

Financial  Secretary . Mrs.  Julia  McKenzie. 


Treasurer 
Trustees . 


Conductors 


..Mrs.  Mary  Mann. 

(  Mrs.  Margaret  Spillard, 

<  Mrs.  Nellie  Doherty, 

(  Mrs.  Mary  Burney. 

<  Mrs.  Margaret  Roach, 

(  Miss  Elizabeth  Keenan. 


Sentinels . 

Chaplain . 

Representatives  to  Convention  .  . . 


<  Miss 
(  Mrs. 

. .  Mrs. 

(  Mrs. 
4  Miss 


Bridgie  Brahan, 
Mary  Hanson. 
Margaret  Souster. 

Mary  Scott, 

Julia  Butler. 


FORMER  OFFICERS,  1896-1897. 

Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Mary  Scott. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Cecelia  Higgins. 

Recording  Secretary . Mrs.  Mayme  Myers. 

Financial  Secretary . Miss  Sarah  Guilford. 

Treasurer . Mrs.  Mary  O’Neil. 

(  Mrs.  Mary  Lewis, 

Trustees .  -  Mrs.  Louise  Long, 

(  Miss  Julia  Butler. 

^  ,  .  \  Miss  Josephine  Butler, 

Conductors .  ,r  ■» «-  t-  •  u 

<  Miss  Mary  brisby. 

0  {  Mrs.  Sarah  Norton, 

Sentinels .  tt-  ,  •  ^  cc 

(  Miss  Katie  Duffy. 

Representatives  to  Annual  Conven-  {  Mrs.  Mary  Scott, 

tion . (  Mrs.  Mayme  Myers. 

FORMER  OFFICERS,  1898. 

Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Mayme  Myers. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Julia  McKenzie. 

Recording  Secretary . Miss  Julia  Butler. 

Financial  Secretary . Miss  Catherine  Colford. 

Treasurer . Mrs.  Mary  O’Neil. 

(  Mrs.  Mary  Burney, 

Trustees .  1  Mrs.  Stasia  Knox, 

(  Miss  Maria  Grady. 

„  ,  t  1  Miss  Ella  Younger, 

Conductors .  ^  ^  & 

f  Miss  Delia  Conway. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  El  yin,  III. 


18 


Sentinels 


i  Miss  Elizabeth  Keenan, 

I  Mrs.  Kate  Ryan. 

Chaplain . Mrs.  Margaret  Souster. 

Representatives  to  Annual  Conven-  I  Mrs.  Mary  O’Neil, 

lion . <  Mrs.  Mary  Scott. 


FORMER  OFFICERS,  1899. 


Chief  Ranger. . 

Vice  Chief  Ranger.  . 
Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary. 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Conductors . 

Sentinels . 

Chaplain . 


.  .Mrs.  Mayme  Myers. 

..Mrs.  Fouise  Long. 

.. .  Miss  Julia  Butler. 

.  .Miss  Catherine  Colford. 
.  .  Mrs.  Mary  Mann. 

^  Miss  Ella  Younger, 

-  Mrs.  Mary  Hanson, 

(  Miss  Clara  Peabody. 

<  Miss  Maria  Grady, 

(  Miss  Delia  Conway. 

1  Mrs.  Mary  Glass, 

(  Miss  Elizabeth  Keenan. 

..Mrs.  Margaret  Souster. 


FORMER  OFFICERS,  1900. 


Chief  Ranger . Mrs  Louise  Long. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Stasia  Knox. 

Recording  Secretary . Miss  Julia  Butler. 

Financial  Secretary . Miss  Catherine  Colford. 

Treasurer . Mrs.  Mary  Mann. 


Trustees 


Conductors . 

Sentinels . 

Chaplain . 

Representatives  to  Annual 
tion . 


I  Miss  Ella  Younger, 

.  Mrs.  Margaret  Roach, 

(  Mrs.  Mary  Paulson. 

<  Miss  Maria  Grady, 

4  Miss  Delia  Conway. 

(  Mrs.  Mary  Glass, 

(  Miss  Elizabeth  Keenan. 

. Mrs.  Margaret  Souster. 

Conven-  <  Mrs.  Mary  Scott, 
. (  Miss  Julia  Butler. 


FORMER  OFFICERS,  1901. 

Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Stasia  Knox. 

Vice  Chief  Ranger . Mrs.  Sarah  Norton. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary. 
Treasurer . 

Trustees . 

Conductors . 

Sentinels . 

Chaplain . 


. Miss  Julia  Butler. 

* 

. Miss  Mary  Freeman. 

. Mrs.  Mary  Mann. 

^  Mrs.  Mary  Paulson, 

.  Mrs.  Anna  Kramer, 

(  Mrs.  Nellie  Doherty. 

<  Miss  Lizzie  Sands, 

(  Miss  Maggie  Flynn. 

<  Mrs.  Nellie  Pease, 

{  Miss  Mamie  Duffy. 

. Mrs.  Margaret  Souster. 

Julia  Butler,  Recording  Secretary. 


ST.  MARY’S  SOCIAL  AND  BENEVOLENT  SOCIETY. 

St.  Mary’s  Social  and  Benevolent  Society  was  organized  March  n, 
1894,  for  what  its  name  indicates.  Its  motto  has  been  “Each  for  all 
and  all  for  each.”  The  150  members  have  made  an  honest  effort  to  live 
up  to  the  high  standard  of  its  motto.  Many  needy  families  can  testify  to 
the  kind  acts  performed  in  an  unostentatious  manner  by  the  ladies  of 
this  society.  The  first  officers  of  the  society  were  :  Mrs.  E.  Lynch, 
president;  Mrs.  Geo.  Souster,  vice-president;  Miss  S.  A.  Guilford, 
secretary,  and  Mrs.  Jas.  Meehan,  treasurer.  The  present  officers  are  : 
Mrs.  Alex.  Scott,  president;  Miss  Ella  McOsker,  vice-president;  Miss 
Maria  Grady,  treasurer,  and  Mrs.  Clara  E.  Jencks,  recording  secretary. 
In  the  intervening  time  a  number  of  ladies  have  filled  the  various  offices 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  their  sister  members.  This  is  especially  so 
of  Miss  Marne  Connor,  who  was  treasurer  for  five  years,  and  resigned  on 
account  of  ill  health.  The  money  disbursed  by  the  benevolent  com¬ 
mittee  since  1894  has  been  $1,500.  Socially  the  society  is  a  success. 
It  is  grateful  to  the  general  public  for  the  liberal  patronage  that  has 
always  been  bestowed  upon  it.  The  society  appreciates  the  favors  of 
philanthropic  friends. 

PRESENT  OFFICERS,  1902. 

President . Mrs.  Mary  Scott. 

Vice-President . Mrs.  Stasia  Knox. 

Treasurer . Miss  Maria  Grady. 

Secretary . Miss  Mary  Cull. 


St.  Marys  Parish ,  Elgin,  111.  189 

FORMER  OFFICERS,  1894. 

President . Mrs.  Eugene  Lynch. 

Vice-President . Mrs.  George  Souster. 

Secretary . Miss  Sarah  A.  Guilford. 

Treasurer . Mrs.  James  Meehan. 

All  re-elected  in  November. 

MAY,  1895. 

President . Mrs.  Eugene  Lynch. 

Vice-President . Mrs.  John  Long. 

Secretary . Miss  Mary  Cull. 

Treasurer . Miss  Marne  Connor. 

Miss  Connor  was  re-elected  at  each  succeeding  election  until  May, 
1901,  when  she  declined  to  accept  the  office  any  longer. 

NOVEMBER,  1895. 

President . Mrs.  Eugene  Lynch  (re-elected). 

Vice-President . Mrs.  George  Souster. 

Secretary . Mrs.  C.  F.  Irwin. 

MAY,  1896. 

President . Mrs.  Eva  McOsker. 

Vice-President . Mrs.  N.  Aubertin. 

Secretary . Miss  Rose  McGuire. 

NOVEMBER,  1896. 

The  only  change  in  officers,  Miss  McGuire  declined  re-election, 
and  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Mary  Flynn. 

MAY,  1897. 

President . Mrs.  W.  C.  Thiers. 

Vice-President . Miss  Ella  McOsker. 

Secretary . Miss  Mary  E.  Larkin. 

MAY,  1898. 

President . Mrs.  Alex.  Scott. 

Vice-President . Miss  Ella  McOsker. 

Secretary . Miss  Rose  Roche. 


190 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


MAY,  1899  an<^  1900. 

Same  officers  re-elected.  Miss  Roche  resigning  in  December, 
1900,  was  succeeded  by  Mrs.  Clara  E.  Jencks. 

MAY,  1901. 

Miss  Maria  Grady,  treasurer,  to  succeed  Miss  Connor.  All  the 
other  officers  re-elected. 

ST.  JOSEPH’S  COURT,  235,  C.  O.  F. 

This  Court  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1891,  and  was  initiated  on 
November  21  of  the  same  year,  with  sixteen  charter  members,  by  High 
Treasurer  Henry  Dettmer  of  Chicago,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  dele¬ 
gation  from  Elgin  Court  and  members  of  other  out-of-town  courts. 

The  first  officers  of  the  Court  were  : 

Chief  Ranger . Peter  Westermann. 

Vice-Chief  Ranger . Herman  Loeding. 

Recording  Secretary . A.  F.  Schader. 

Financial  Secretary . Chas.  Danner. 

Treasurer . H.  S.  Muetterties. 

(  Theo.  Beckman, 

Trustees . -  Peter  Kampmeier, 

(  John  Kohn. 

Conductors . i  Joe  Coesfeld, 

(  rrank  Loehr. 

Sentinel . Frank  Muller. 

The  record  of  the  Court  shows  a  remarkable  success  and  growth  in 
the  past  eleven  years,  having  paid  out  in  that  period  the  sum  of  $1,500 
for  sick  benefits  and  $4,800  for  endowments,  and  having  at  present  a 
membership  of  sixty-eight  good  standing  Foresters.  One  of  the  most 
remarkable  features  of  the  Court  is  the  fact  that  it  has  not  lost  a  single 
member  by  death  during  all  the  time  of  its  existence,  and  it  may  be 
stated  right  here,  that  this  is  probably  the  only  Court  in  the  whole 
order  with  a  record  of  that  kind. 

Two  beautiful  flags,  a  society  banner  and  a  United  States  flag 
( silk),  a  handsome  large  marshal  staff,  won  in  a  Forester’s  contest,  and 
a  fine  bronze  crucifix,  a  gift  of  Rev.  Father  Riss  to  the  Court,  are  among 
the  notable  acquisitions  of  the  Court. 

It  has  been  an  established  custom  of  the  Court  to  celebrate  its 
annual  anniversary  on  Thanksgiving  evening  of  every  year,  and  to 


St.  Mary’s  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


191 


invite  on  that  occasion  all  the  members  of  the  St.  Joseph’s  congregation 
and  their  friends  to  a  social  gathering  and  a  free  entertainment  to  their 
meeting  hall. 


PRESENT  AND  PAST  CHIEF  RANGERS,  ST.  JOSEPH’S  COURT,  235,  C.  O.  F. 

1.  A.  F.  Schader,  3.  William  Meyers. 

2.  H.  S.  Muetterties,  4.  Peter  Westerman. 

5.  Theodore  Beckmann. 

Rev.  Father  Rhode,  the  present  chaplain  of  the  Court,  is  an  eager 
promoter  and  admirer  of  the  C.  O.  F.,  and  with  his  assistance  the 
prospect  for  the  future  of  the  Court  is  a  very  bright  one. 

St.  Joseph’s  Court  meets  every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  of  each 
month  in  the  Strauss  hall  on  Grove  Avenue. 

The  present  officers  are : 

Chief  Ranger . 

Vice-Chief  Ranger. 

First  Chief  Ranger 


H.  S.  Muetterties. 
Adolf  Fischer. 

Pet.  Westermann. 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


192 


Recording  Secretary 
Financial  Secretary. 
Treasurer  . 

Trustees . 


Conductors 
Sentinels .  . 


.  .  Geo.  Kleiser. 

.  .  Julius  Werkes. 

.  John  Werls. 

(  Pet.  Westermann, 
Chas.  Danner, 

(  Pet.  Kampmeier. 

<  Jos.  Meyers, 

(  Adam  Joachem. 

<  John  Gabski, 

<  H.  Strieker. 


THE  KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS. 

The  Knights  of  Columbus  was  organized  in  Connecticut  in  March. 
1882,  its  councils  are  represented  in  most  of  the  states  and  territories; 
its  membership  is  made  up  of,the  intellect  and  sinew  of  the  country, 
and  its  principles  are  for  the  advancement  of  Catholicity  and  developing 
a  better  social  condition.  The  society  has  an  insurance  feature  which 
is  optional  with  the  candidate.  The  initiatory  ceremonies  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  are  beautiful,  instructive  and  inspiring. 

Elgin  Council  was  organized  on  April  20,  1902,  with  a  charter  list 
of  seventy-five  members. 

Officers  of  the  Council  are : 

Grand  Knight . Lawrence  Crane. 

Deputy  Grand  Knight . Edward  L.  Ryan. 

Recording  Secretary . James  R.  O’Beirne. 

Financial  Secretary . Thos.  J.  Cleary. 

Treasurer . Matthew  J.  Heslin. 

Medical  Examiner . H.  J.  Gahagan. 

Lecturer . F.  C.  Fedou. 

Chancellor . L.  McNerny. 

Advocate . F.  E.  Shopen. 

Chaplain . Rev.  J.  J.  McCann. 

(  James  Jeffers, 

Trustees .  -  F.  L.  McQueenv, 

(  Emil  Kothe. 

Warden . John  Wagner. 

Outside  Guard . John  Kothe. 

Inside  Guard . Joseph  T.  Roach. 


c4fiA.Cs^ 


194 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


THE  ALTAR  AND  ROSARY  SOCIETY. 

This  society — the  oldest  in  the  parish — was  organized  by  Father 
Fitzsimmons  about  thirty  years  ago,  its  object  being  to  assist  the  priest 
in  obtaining  articles  for  use  during  the  solemn  services  of  the  church, 
and  to  keep  the  sanctuary  in  proper  order.  During  the  greater  part  of 
Father  Mackin’s  pastorate,  the  work  of  caring  for  the  altar  was  done 
by  his  nieces,  Mrs.  Meenagh,  and  the  Misses  Murphy.  Though  a  work 
of  no  small  responsibility,  it  was  admirably  done.  With  the  new 
church  in  1900,  came  new  life  and  vigor.  Father  McCann  reorganized 
the  society,  and  in  a  short  time,  one  hundred  and  five  members  were 
enrolled.  Officers  were  elected,  the  first  ones  being  Elizabeth  Conway, 
president;  Mrs.  Foy,  vice-president;  Kathleen  Tobin,  secretary  and 
treasurer. 

At  the  annual  election  of  officers  in  1901,  Mrs.  Geo.  Souster  was 
elected  president,  Miss  Conway,  vice-president,  Mary  Duhy,  secretary, 
and  Mrs.  B.  Kelly,  treasurer.  Father  Gildea,  as  spiritual  director, 
instituted  a  series  of  lectures,  explaining  the  meaning,  origin  and  use  of 
the  altar,  and  all  pertaining  to  it.  So  instructive  and  interesting  were 
these  lectures,  that  the  members  took  the  greatest  pleasure  in  being 
present  at  them;  and  with  the  meetings  well  attended,  the  work  of  the 
society  was  much  more  easily  accomplished.  In  the  beginning  of  the 
year  the  president,  with  characteristic  energy,  proposed  the  purchase  of 
a  carpet  for  sanctuary  and  sacristy.  The  members  generously  seconded 
her  efforts,  and  on  Holy  Thursday  the  congregation  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  both  covered  with  a  beautiful  new  carpet. 

The  work  in  connection  with  caring  for  the  sanctuary  is  much 
more  than  one  would  think.  The  president  appoints  from  four  to  six 
ladies  each  month  to  do  this  work ;  their  efforts  have  been  most  suc¬ 
cessful,  and  the  appreciation  shown  by  Father  McCann  and  the  assist¬ 
ant  pastors  has  been  extremely  gratifying  to  them.  To  make  the 
sanctuary  in  the  smallest  degree  a  fitting  home  for  the  King  of  Kings  is 
a  work  in  which  the  priests  and  altar  society  gladly  and  gratefully  join. 

Mary  Duhy,  Secretary. 

LEAGUE  OF  THE  SACRED  HEART. 

The  Apostleship  of  Prayer  in  League  with  the  Sacred  Heart  was 
solemnly  instituted  in  this  parish  on  Sunday  evening,  January  28,  1900, 
by  Father  Blackmore,  S.  J.,  of  Holy  Family  Church,  Chicago.  Pre- 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


195 


vious  to  this  time  a  number  of  people  here  had  become  affiliated  with  a 
Chicago  center,  and  not  a  few  received  holy  communion  on  the  first 
Friday  of  every  month;  but  this  parish  was  not  made  a  center  until  the 
above  date.  On  February  23,  1900,  an  election  of  officers  was  held, 
with  the  result  that  Mrs.  William  Higgins  was  made  president,  Miss 
Agnes  Duffy,  vice  president,  and  Miss  Nellie  Reirdon.  secretary  and 
treasurer. 

The  First  Promoters’  reception  was  held  here  on  January  6,  1901, 
when  ten  promoters  received  crosses  and  diplomas.  Twelve  more 
promoters  were  enrolled  on  June  26,  1901.  There  are  now  on  the  roll 
seventy-nine  promoters,  and  a  membership  of  over  twelve  hundred. 

A  fair  number  have  taken  up  the  second  degree.  On  an  average, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  make  the  communion  of  reparation  each 
first  Friday. 

There  are  two  meetings  in  the  month,  the  league  meeting  on  the 
second  Sunday  evening,  and  the  promoters’  meeting  on  the  third.  An 
instruction  by  the  director,  and  Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament 
are  always  features  of  these  meetings. 

During  the  month  of  June  communions  are  offered  daily  for  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  parish  who  may  have  neglected  their  Easter  duty,  and  for 
the  conversion  of  fallen-away  Catholics. 

In  June,  1901,  we  commenced  the  practice  of  keeping  the  Holy 
Hour,  from  7.30  to  8.30,  the  evening  before  the  first  Friday. 

Sunday  evening,  September  29,  1901,  there  was  an  unveiling  of  a 
beautiful  statue  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  the  gift  of  a  member  of  the  con¬ 
gregation.  Rev.  Thomas  Sherman,  S.  J.,  archdiocesan  director,  was 
present  on  the  occasion  and  preached  an  eloquent  sermon.  After 
benediction  the  promoters  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Father  Sherman. 
It  was  an  evening  of  great  joy  to  those  devoted  to  the  loving  heart  of 
Jesus. 

The  Feast  of  Blessed  Margaret  Mary,  October  25,  1901,  was  duly 
observed,  a  large  number  of  the  league  members  attending  mass  and 
receiving  holy  communion. 

During  the  last  six  years  thirty-two  associates  have  departed  this 
life.  Nellie  Reirdon,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

THE  ISABELLA  CLUB. 

The  Isabella  Club  is  a  society  composed  of  the  young  ladies  of 
St.  Mary’s  Church  for  social  and  literary  purposes.  It  was  organized 


196 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


June  16,  1901,  with  the  following  officers:  Miss  Celia  Howard,  presi 
dent ;  Miss  Nellie  Riley,  vice-president ;  Miss  Mary  M.  Donoghue, 
recording  secretary ;  Miss  Grace  Tennant,  financial  secretary ;  Miss 
Winnie  McNerney,  treasurer. 

THE  GIFFORD  CLUB. 

This  club  is  composed  of  the  young  men  of  this  parish.  The  fol¬ 
lowing  are  the  officers:  President,  John  R.  Powers;  vice-president, 
Lawrence  McHenry ;  treasurer,  John  J.  McGraw ;  recording  secre¬ 
tary,  James  Hennessey ;  financial  secretary,  George  E.  Hoelscher. 


St.  Joseph’s  Hospital. 


In  the  spring  of  1900  some  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  from  the  hospital 
in  Belvidere,  called  on  Father  McCann  and  asked  permission  to  can¬ 
vass  the  parish  for  the  benefit  of  their  hospital.  Father  McCann 
readily  granted  their  request,  and  in  the  same  breath  asked  them  why 
they  had  not  come  to  Elgin  instead  of  Belvidere,  Elgin  being  so  much 
larger.  The  Sisters  said  they  might  in  a  year  or  two  be  ready  to  come 
to  Elgin.  A  year  later  the  Sisters  came  down  to  look  for  a  suitable 
piece  of  property.  Father  McCann  and  Mr.  Frank  E.  Shopen  had 
been  looking  about  the  city,  and  suggested  the  property  at  the  south¬ 
west  corner  of  Prospect  street  and  Jefferson  avenue,  known  as  the  Gail 
Johnson  property,  and  owned  by  William  Hewins.  The  Sisters  liked 
the  place,  and  through  Mr.  Shopen  bought  it  of  Mr.  Hewins  for  $6,300. 
This  was  in  July,  1901. 

Two  members  of  the  Order  came  to  Elgin  as  the  guests  of  Mrs. 
Shopen  in  order  to  canvass  the  town  for  funds.  Mrs.  Shopen  took  them 
to  her  many  friends,  and  the  result  was  a  subscription  list  of  about  two 
thousand  dollars.  Part  of  this  was  collected  in  cash,  and  was  at  once 
spent  in  improving  the  house  and  ground.  People  of  all  denominations 
were  on  the  subscription  list,  and  have  continued  to  take  an  active 
interest  in  the  institution. 

Owing  to  obstacles  that  arose,  the  St.  Joseph  Sisters  could  not  open 
the  hospital,  and,  therefore,  in  February,  1902,  they  transferred  their 
holding  to  the  Franciscan  Sisters  of  Joliet. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shopen,  together  with  Father  Rohde,  of  St.  Joseph’s 
Church,  deserve  the  credit  for  interesting  the  Franciscan  Sisters  in 
Elgin. 

The  hospital  was  formally  opened  to  the  public  on  March  31,  1902. 
A  large  number  of  people,  interested  in  the  work  which  will  be  done  by 
the  Sisters,  took  advantage  of  the  reception  that  day  to  see  for  the  first 
time  the  interior  of  the  new  hospital. 


197 


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Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


From  the  beginning  the  institution  has  been  kept  full  of  patients, 
the  reputation  of  the  Sisters  as  nurses  making  their  hospitals  popular 
with  the  sick. 

The  Elgin  Court  of  Foresters,  St.  Regina  Court  of  Women  Forest¬ 
ers,  St.  Mary’s  Social  and  Benevolent  Society,  all  connected  with  St. 
Mary’s  parish,  have  each  furnished  a  room  in  the  hospital.  Another 
society  of  the  parish,  the  Isabella  Club,  is  now  raising  funds  for  the 


ST.  JOSEPH’S  HOSPITAL. 

/ 


same  purpose.  A  number  of  St.  Mary’s  young  ladies,  together  with  a 
number  of  non-Catholic  young  ladies,  also  raised  funds  and  furnished  a 
room. 

The  Forester  Court  connected  with  St.  Joseph’s  Church,  and  a 
ladies’  society  of  the  same  church,  each  furnished  a  room  at  the 
hospital. 

Rev.  J.  Rohde  was  appointed  by  the  late  Most  Rev.  Archbishop 
P.  A.  Feehan,  as  chaplain  for  the  hospital. 

St.  Joseph’s  hospital  has  been  a  decided  success  from  the  start,  and 
we  predict  for  it  an  equally  successful  future. 


The  Elgin  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane. 


The  Elgin  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane  was  opened  for  the 
admission  of  patients  in  1872,  with  a  population  of  about  300,  the 
present  number  being  1,300,  the  greater  number  of  the  patients  being 
from  Cook  County.  The  Elgin  institution  is  for  the  northern  district  of 
the  State,  each  county  being  allowed  a  quota  in  proportion  to  the 
population.  The  tendency  in  the  present  treatment  of  the  insane  is  to 
give  to  the  patient  the  greatest  liberty  possible,  commensurate  with  the 
proper  discipline  and  to  divert  his  attention  by  placing  before  him  the 
more  attractive  in  life,  and  to  this  end  this  institution  has  a  wide  reputa¬ 
tion.  The  grounds  of  the  hospital  are  a  revelation,  beautiful  lakes, 
and  drives,  boulevards,  cement  walks,  knolls,  rustic  bridges  arching 
over  numerous  rivulets,  acres  of  flower-beds,  rose  bushes  and  shade- 
trees  is  the  scene  which  greets  the  eye  of  one  strolling  through  the 
grounds. 

The  common  belief  that  an  insane  person  is  a  wild,  ferocious  person, 
manacled  and  confined  in  a  padded  cell,  peering  through  the  bars  with 
an  uncanny,  fiendish  looking  expression,  uttering  demoniacal  yells,  is 
very  much  overdrawn  in  these  days  of  modern  treatment  of  the  insane. 
Personal  liberty  is  the  watchword  in  the  insane  hospital  of  today,  and 
great  credit  is  due  Dr.  Arthur  Loewy,  late  superintendent,  for  his 
practical  application  in  this  direction;  restraint  was  placed  upon  the 
patient  only  at  the  direction  of  the  physician,  and  then  only  in  an 
emergency;  the  doors  of  the  private  rooms  and  dormitories  were  opened 
night  and  day,  allowing  the  inmates  the  freedom  of  the  wards — the 
latter  measure  was  an  innovation  in  hospital  curriculum.  The  wisdom 
of  such  a  step,  together  with  other  scientific  methods  of  treatment,  was 
apparent,  however,  in  the  rapid  increase  of  recoveries,  the  doctor’s 
report  of  1894  and  1896,  showing  a  recovery  rate  of  fifty-three  percent  or 
over  a  half  of  those  discharged  and  twenty-three  per  cent  more  than  any 
other  insane  hospital  in  the  country.  Dr.  H.  J.  Gahagan  of  this  city 


200 


THE  ELGIN  STATE  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE 


202 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


was  assistant  to  Dr.  Loewy  during  the  latter’s  incumbency  as  super¬ 
intendent;  Dr.  Frank  S.  Whitman,  the  present  superintendent,  with  Dr. 
E.  A.  Foley,  first  assistant,  are  painstaking  and  careful  to  the  unfortu¬ 
nates  under  their  charge,  and  successful  in  the  management  of  the 
institution. 

Mass  has  been  said  in  the  chapel  every  Sunday  morning  at  6.15 
since  April,  1901.  by  the  Rev.  John  J.  McCann,  of  St.  Mary’s  Church,  or 
one  of  his  assistant  pastors,  priests  who  always  hold  themselves  in  readi¬ 
ness,  at  call,  to  render  the  rites  and  consolation  of  religion  to  patients  or 
employes  of  the  institution  who  are  members  of  their  fold. 

The  regular  chaplain  of  the  hospital  holds  religious  sendees  Sun¬ 
day  afternoons  at  3  o’clock. 

The  music,  vocal  and  instrumental,  has  been  a  noted  feature  of 
these  services. 


HIGH  SCHOOL 


FRHNKLIN 


HBBY  C.W1NG 


The  Golden  Jubilee. 


The  services  began  on  Monday,  October  28,  1901.  The  church 
had  been  beautifully  decorated  for  the  occasion ;  over  the  main  entrance 
was  an  arch  of  evergreen,  suspended  from  which  was  a  banner  bearing 
the  inscription  :  “1851  Golden  Jubilee  1901.”  The  interior  of  the 
church  was  festooned  with  evergreens  and  streamers  of  purple  and 
gold.  The  sanctuary  and  altars  were  decorated  with  a  profusion  of 
palms,  and  plants,  and  flowers,  and  lights. 

Promptly  at  10:15  a.  m->  the  priests  and  altar  boys  filed  out  into 
the  sanctuary,  and  the  first  solemn  high  mass  of  the  jubilee  was  cele¬ 
brated.  A  ery  Rev.  D.  J.  Spillard,  C.  S.  C.,  of  New  Orleans,  was 
celebrant;  Rev.  W.  W.  Barth,  of  McHenry,  deacon;  Rev.  J.  M.  Stack- 
able,  of  McHenry,  sub-deacon;  and  Rev.  J.  P.  Dore,  of  West  Chicago, 
master  of  ceremonies.  The  opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Thos.  J.  Whalen,  of  Chicago.  He  spoke  particularly  of  what  is  expected 
of  the  present  and  future  generations  of  Catholics. 

THE  CATHOLICS  OF  TOMORROW. 

SERMON  BY  REV.  THOS.  J.  WHALEN. 

The  solidarity  existing  in  the  Catholic  Church,  based  as  it  is  in 
the  kinship  of  her  members  with  her  founder,  Jesus  Christ,  gives  us 
the  right  to  glory  in  the  achievements  of  those  who  have  gone  before 
us,  but  it  also  imposes  on  us  the  obligation  to  continue  and  perfect 
their  work  as  far  as  we  are  able. 

Those  Catholic  parents  and  grandparents  of  ours,  and  their  pred¬ 
ecessors,  what  a  noble  lot  they  were !  When  we  stop  to  consider  the 
constancy  demanded,  the  hardships  endured,  the  vicissitudes  under¬ 
gone,  the  sacrifices  made,  to  keep  alive  and  propagate  the  faith  they 
brought  to  this,  a  new  and  unsettled  land,  we  are  filled  with  admira¬ 
tion.  Scarcely  four  hundred  years  since  the  first  permanent  missionary 


204 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III.  205 

landed  on  our  continent.  Not  three  hundred  years  since  the  mission¬ 
aries  came  to  our  Northern  and  Middle  States.  Within  the  last  cen¬ 
tury,  yes,  within  the  memory  of  many  now  living,  the  Catholic  priest 
traveled  through  this  and  the  State  adjoining  us  on  the  north  in  great, 
lumbering  ox-drawn  carts,  administering  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  a 
widely  scattered  [Catholic  population.  And  today,  what  a  change  ! 


REV.  THOS.  J.  WHALEN. 


Look  at  the  mighty  edifices  erected  to  the  glory  of  God — the  grand 
cathedrals,  the  magnificent  churches,  the  hospitals,  schools,  asylums, 
colleges,  which  on  every  hand  bespeak  the  indomitable  faith,  zeal  and 
energy  of  our  fathers. 

I  have  stood  amidst  the  ruins  of  the  earliest  churches  in  Florida ; 
knelt  in  prayer  beside  the  neglected  mounds  where  rest  the  ashes  of 
priest  and  layman  martyred  by  the  Indians  ;  I  have  seen  the  ruins  of 
the  old  mission  churches  of  the  southwest;  traveled  the  Marquette  trail 
of  northern  Michigan,  and  it  required  the  widest  stretching  of  a  vivid 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


200 

imagination  to  link  that  then  living  past  with  the  present — to  see  in 
such  humble  beginnings  the  source  of  today’s  greatness,  and  to  realize 
that  so  much  had  been  accomplished  in  so  short  a  time.  Truly  those 
older  generations  must  have  been  a  wonderful  people.  Well  may  we 
apply  to  them  the  words  of  St.  Paul,  “  They  have  fought  the  good  fight, 
they  have  run  their  course,  they  kept  the  faith,  they  have  gone  to  their 
reward.”  And  for  us,  though  we  glory  in  their  deeds  we  must  not  be 
content  with  the  work  which  they  accomplished;  we  must  take  up  the 
weapons  which  fell  from  their  hands,  and,  like  the  Grecian  runners  of 
old  who  carried  the  sacred  fire  from  the  temple  and  spread  it  through 
hamlet  and  town,  we  must  catch  the  torch  of  divine  faith  from  their 
hands,  never  permit  it  to  drop  or  grow  dim,  but  pass  it  on  to  those  who 
come  after  us  with  its  flame  more  brightly  aglow,  its  brightness  more 
widely  diffused  through  our  zeal  and  our  endeavors. 

The  hardships  of  our  predecessors  were  mostly  physical — the 
difficulties  they  had  to  encounter  were  material.  For  them  the  great 
problems  were  the  building  of  churches  and  schools,  the  securing  of 
priests  to  administer  to  their  wants.  For  us  the  difficulties  are  greater, 
the  problems  harder  of  solution.  It  is  a  truism  that  where  nations  are 
young  and  virile  and  where  the  natural  surroundings  demand  an  arduous 
life,  religion  always  flourishes  and  waxes  strong.  Hence  it  was  that  our 
forefathers,  though  not  blessed  with  much  material  wealth,  being  ani¬ 
mated  by  a  strong  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  religion,  made  the 
sacrifices  necessary  and  thus  accomplished  such  wonderful  results. 
With  us  the  difficulty  is  a  radical  one.  We  could,  without  half  the  sac¬ 
rifices,  accomplish  much  more  than  all  these  past  generations  in  the 
way  of  the  material  upbuilding  of  the  church,  but  we  lack  the  strong 
enduring  faith  which  animated  their  lives  and  was  the  mainspring  of 
their  deeds.  The  Catholics  of  old,  born  and  reared  amid  Catholic  sur¬ 
roundings,  imbibed  the  truths  of  the  church’s  teaching  and  allowed  them 
to  influence  their  actions,  never  doubting,  never  questioning  but  that  in 
the  Catholic  church  was  the  fullness  of  truth,  and  that  in  her  upbuild¬ 
ing  they  were  giving  to  the  world  the  means  whereby  mankind  would  be 
made  better  and  their  own  future  life  assured.  The  Catholics  of  to¬ 
day  live  in  a  different  atmosphere.  They  are  surrounded  by  a  spirit  of 
doubt — not  doubt  as  to  the  truth  of  the  church’s  teaching  as  opposed 
to  that  of  other  churches,  but  doubt  as  to  the  fundamentals  of  all 
religion.  Owing  to  the  bickerings  of  those  outside  of  the  Catholic 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


207 


church,  the  very  essentials  of  Christianity  are  fading  away.  The  world 
says,  with  the  poet,  of  God  : 

“  He  is  only  a  cloud  and  a  smoke  who  was  once  a  pillar  of  fire, 

The  guess  of  a  worm  in  the  dust  and  the  shadow  of  its  desire.” 

And  of  ourselves : 

“Trusting  no  longer  that  earthly  flower  would  bear  heavenly  fruit, 
Come  from  the  brute,  poor  souls — no  souls— and  to  die  with  the 
brute.” 

And  under  that  teaching  men  have  broken  away, 

“  From  the  Christ,  our  human  brother  and  friend. 

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Tv  TV  *7V  '7V  "TV 

And  Doubt  is  the  lord  of  this  dunghill  and  crows  to  the  sun  and  the 
moon, 

Till  the  sun  and  the  moon  of  our  science  are  both  of  them  turned  into 
blood, 

And  Hope  will  have  broken  her  heart  running  after  a  shadow  of  good ; 
For  their  knowing  and  know-nothing  books  are  scattered  from  hand  to 
hand.” 

This  growing  tide  of  doubt  must  be  checked  and  rolled  back.  Its 
influence  on  the  present  and  the  coming  generations  of  Catholics  must 
be  overcome.  The  world  must  be  forced  to  recognize  that  in  the 
teachings  of  the  Catholic  church  may  be  found  the  solution  of  the 
great  enigmas  which  perplex  men’s  minds.  But  how  is  this  to  be  ac¬ 
complished  ?  To  me  there  seems  to  be  but  one  answer  and  that  is  by 
placing  the  Catholic  church  and  her  teachings  before  the  world  in  their 
true  light  and  showing  how  perfectly  they  are  adapted  to  the  needs  of 
humanity  and  society.  To  do  this  religion  must  be  removed  from  the 
sphere  of  mere  sentiment.  We  must  study  the  church’s  teaching,  and 
then,  considering  the  needs  of  society  and  the  innate  demand  of  the 
human  heart  for  something  outside  this  world  on  which  to  rest  its 
hopes  and  aspirations,  make  manifest  to  the  world  that  in  the  church 
and  her  teachings  can  be  found  the  panacea  for  the  ills  which  beset 
society  and  the  solution  of  the  questions  of  the  soul.  We  Catholics 
need  not  be — 

“  As  infants  crying  in  the  night, 

As  infants  crying  for  the  light, 

And  with  no  language  but  a  cry.” 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


208 

For  the  church,  our  mother,  is  ever  ready  with  the  light  of  truth  to 
guide  our  wavering  minds  and  with  her  helping  voice  to  cheer  our  fal¬ 
tering  footsteps.  All  that  is  necessary  is  that  we  should  try  and  know 
her,  for  knowing  we  cannot  but  learn  to  love  her,  and  loving  her  we 
shall  be  impelled  to  make  her  truth  and  beauty  known  to  all  the  world. 

Knowledge  is  the  root  of  love  and,  to  my  mind,  the  great  cause  of 
lukewarmness  among  Catholics,  and  the  soul-harrowing  doubt  of  non¬ 
believers  is  ignorance  of  the  church  and  of  her  teachings.  Consider 
the  case  of  Catholics.  How  few,  even  among  the  best  educated,  give  a 
thought  to  the  teachings  of  the  church  outside  of  what  is  acquired  in 
the  smallest  text  book. 

The  average  child  on  leaving  a  Catholic  school  has  the  words 
of  the  Catechism  impressed  upon  his  memory,  is  drilled  in  the 
external  practices  of  religion,  has  his  conscience  formed,  in  a  general 
way,  as  to  what  is  right  and  what  is  wrong,  and  there  his  Catholic  edu¬ 
cation  practically  ends.  Those  outside  of  our  schools  are  not  even  thus 
fully  equipped  for  the  battle  of  life.  Once  the  schoolroom  is  left  be¬ 
hind  a  thousand  influences  combine  to  overshadow  and  dim  the  im¬ 
pressions  of  youth ;  various  new  and  absorbing  interests  arise  which 
keep  him  from  renewing  and  developing  and  firmly  grounding  his  ear¬ 
lier  teaching.  Contact  with  the  world  in  the  counting  house  or  the 
office  makes  him  an  adept  in  applying  the  principles  of  mathematics  or 
of  grammar,  the  conversations  he  hears  around  him,  the  articles  of 
newspapers  or  magazines,  or  the  pursuance  of  some  trade,  brings  back 
and  develops  the  little  he  has  learned  regarding  the  various  sciences, 
but  never  a  word  to  cause  the  fundamentals  of  religion  to  sink  deeper 
into  his  mind,  never  an  influence  to  cause  the  principles  of  morality  to 
expand  and  blossom  and  bear  fruit.  All  the  influences  are  on  the  other 
side.  The  world  spirit  would,  from  the  view-point  of  science,  eradicate 
the  fundamentals  of  Catholic  faith  and  from  practical  life  eliminate 
principles  of  Catholic  morality.  Can  we  wonder,  then,  if  with  this 
lack  of  knowledge,  and  under  these  circumstances,  Catholics  remain 
dumb  when  the  question  of  religion  is  broached,  and  have  naught  to 
say  when  the  great  ethical  problems  regarding  the  state,  the  family  and 
social  life  are  being  discussed?  This  is  the  crying  crime  of  Catholics 
— they  are  ignorant  of  the  faith  they  profess.  They  do  not  understand 
that  the  church  they  adhere  to  is  a  living  force,  not  a  dead  factor,  in 
the  world?s  civilization.  And  with  Catholics  thus  ignorant  and  in- 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


209 


different,  can  we  expect  that  those  outside  of  the  church  will  turn  to 
her  for  guidance  ? 

To  overcome  this  prevailing  ignorance,  to  strengthen  our  Catholic 
youth  and  men  against  the  prevailing  influences,  to  make  known  to  the 
world  the  rational  and  wonderful  beauty  of  Catholic  teaching,  some 
practical  means  must  be  devised.  The  church,  through  the  pulpit  and 
the  confessional,  strives  to  keep  alive  the  early  teaching  and  develop 
and  apply  the  moral  principles  learned  in  the  schools,  but  she  can 
reach  only  those  who  come  to  her.  Some  outside  means  is  necessary 
whereby  the  indifferent  may  be  interested,  the  lukewarm  made  zealous; 
whereby  the  Catholic  training  of  the  child  may  expand  with  the  fuller 
education  of  the  youth,  and  then  ripen  into  the  wider  personal  knowl¬ 
edge  of  manhood.  Such  knowledge,  once  secured,  cannot  but  influence 
man’s  life  and  render  him  faithful  in  the  performance  of  all  his  duties 
to  God,  Church,  Country,  Family  and  his  Fellow-man. 

But  by  what  means  can  such  an  education  be  obtained  ?  This  is 
an  age  of  associations.  You  have  your  “  Sodalities,”  your  “  Foresters,” 
your  “Reading  Circles,”  your  “Catholic  Clubs.”  Why  not  make 
these  an  agency  for  the  spread  of  Catholic  and  Christian  knowl¬ 
edge?  New  interest  in  your  meetings  could  be  awakened  by  arrang¬ 
ing  at  intervals  for  a  good,  connected  series  of  talks  on  some  points  of 
Catholic  teaching. 

Take  the  church’s  history.  Try  and  grasp  the  essential  points  in 
the  history  of  that  the  most  glorious  institution  the  world  ever  saw. 
More  humble  in  its  beginning  than  the  mythical  origin  of  Rome,  more 
warred  against  and  persecuted  than  any  of  the  world’s  great  nations, 
more  powerful  and  splendid  than  the  vastest  creation  of  peoples  or  of 
kings,  more  enduring  than  the  pyramids  whose  bases  are  hidden  by  the 
ashes  of  dynasties  uncounted  and  peoples  unnumbered,  surely  her  history 
is  worthy  of  your  study. 

Take  up  the  influence  of  the  church  on  civilization,  or  the  bearing 
of  her  teaching  on  the  practical  questions  of  the  day : 

The  Church  and  Education.  What  has  she  done  to  keep  alive  and 
spread  the  classic  learning  of  which  she  was  the  sole  guardian  during 
the  middle  ages?  What  does  history  say  of  her  as  the  builder  of 
schools,  the  founder  of  universities,  the  patron  of  letters  ? 

The  Church  and  Art.  Was  it  not  through  her  influence,  and  the 
inspiration  born  of  the  ideals  which  she  held  before  mankind  that  the 


210 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


great  geniuses  of  the  world  produced  those  masterpieces  of  sculpture 
and  of  painting  which  are  the  property  of  the  human  race  ?  In  Architec¬ 
ture  the  same.  Under  her  sheltering  aegis  there  sprang  up  those  vast 
domes,  towering  spires,  airy  minarets,  which  in  the  minds  of  their 
builders  served  to  grace  the  dwelling  place  of  the  living  God,  and 
which  we  of  today  copy  in  despair 

Take  the  questions  of  practical  life  : 

The  Church  and  the  Labor  Questio?i.  What  is  her  attitude  in  this 
all-absorbing  topic  ?  Is  she,  as  so  many  of  our  labor  leaders  think, 
antagonistic  to  their  interests,  or  is  she  not  rather  the  guardian  and 
protector  of  their  rights,  but  unable  to  take  practical  steps  towards  the 
amelioration  of  their  conditions  because  of  the  hostile  influences  which 
bar  her  from  their  councils  and  assembly  halls  ? 

The  Church  and  the  Social  Problem.  What  a  mighty  influence  she 
would  be,  if  her  teachings  on  this  subject  were  not,  as  at  present, 
necessarily  restricted  to  the  influencing  of  the  individual  and  the  uplift 
ing  of  the  penitent,  but  could,  through  some  organization,  be  brought  to 
bear  on  society  as  a  whole. 

The  Church  and  Family.  We  read  with  pleasure  of  the  attempts, 
though  futile,  made  by  outside  churches  to  follow  in  her  footsteps  in 
safeguarding  the  family  against  the  growing  evil  of  divorce,  and  we  are 
apt  to  forget  all  that  she  has  suffered  for  her  adherence  to  these 
principles  in  the  past.  Not  only  of  marriages,  but  of  the  marital  rela¬ 
tions  as  well,  is  she  the  sole  guardian,  and  from  preacher  and  confessor 
there  is  daily  going  forth  warning  and  denunciation  of  the  more  insid¬ 
ious  attacks  which  are  being  made  on  the  sanctity  and  purity  of  the 
home. 

And  so  with  countless  interesting  and  living  topics.  They  could 
be  made  the  subjects  for  your  lecture  rooms  and  meeting  places,  and 
through  the  interest  thus  awakened  be  made  the  subject  of  your  home 
reading,  in  place  of  the  vast  amount  of  useless  and  perverse  literature 
in  which  so  much  time  is  now  wasted.  Do  not  wait  for  your  priests  to  do 
it  all.  They  may  act  as  your  counselors,  guides,  advisers,  but  the  priest¬ 
hood  has  no  monopoly  of  learning.  There  are  many  in  your  ranks 
who,  if  they  realized  that  this  duty  was  incumbent  upon  them,  and  set 
themselves  to  the  task,  could  treat  these  subjects  more  interestingly 
and  more  effectively  than  the  priests  themselves,  because  they  come  in 
closer  contact  with  the  thought  of  those  with  whom  they  associate. 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin,  III. 


211 


If  such  a  spirit  as  this  were  awakened,  a  desire  to  know  the  truth 
and  seek  it,  there  would  be  no  need  for  an  appeal  to  guard  the  interests 
of  our  little  ones  by  supplying  them  with  the  means  for  a  good  Christian 
training.  Our  Catholic  school  system  at  present  is  in  its  incipiency. 
They  are  good  as  far  as  they  go,  but  we  want  them  better  and  we  want 
them  to  go  farther.  At  present  it  is  a  struggle ;  we  are  handicapped 
financially,  and  until  the  past  few  years  we  lacked  organization.  We 
hope  for  the  time  when  every  parish  will  have  its  grammar  school,  and 
every  city  its  high  school,  thoroughly  equipped  and  able  to  compete 
with  any  school  system  of  the  country.  It  is  your  duty  as  men  to  do 
your  part  in  this  matter.  Ten  years  ago  the  first  great  step  towards 
such  organization  was  effected.  Little  by  little  the  foundation  had  been 
placed,  the  parochial  schools  had  increased  in  numbers  and  efficiency ; 
the  few  parochial  high  schools  and  colleges  supplemented  their  work, 
but  there  was  wanting  a  completion  of  the  edifice.  This  was  accom¬ 
plished  in  the  building  of  that  greatest  gift  to  the  church  of  America  in 
the  nineteenth  century,  the  Catholic  University  of  Washington,  and  now 
its  influence  is  being  felt.  Catholic  colleges  have  been  federated  and 
improved,  and  through  their  influence  the  high  school  system  will  be 
completed,  and  the  present  century  should  see  Catholic  thought  once 
more  a  powerful  influence  in  the  molding  of  public  opinion. 

Would  that  I  could  make  you,  the  men  of  today,  and  the  men  of 
tomorrow,  see  the  necessity  for  self-education  and  the  education  of 
youth  in  Catholic  principles  and  teaching.  I  am  firmly  convinced  that  it 
is  only  through  such  knowledge  that  love  for  the  church  and  her  teachings 
can  be  awakened  and  fostered.  It  is  only  through  such  knowledge  that 
that  loyalty  can  be  awakened  which  will  be  able  to  withstand  the  blight¬ 
ing  influences  of  indifferentism  and  doubt.  It  is  through  that  love  of  the 
church  and  her  teachings,  founded  on  a  true  knowledge  of  what  she  is, 
what  she  has  been,  what  her  teachings  are,  and  fostered  and  nourished 
by  a  sincere  devotion  to  her  sacraments  and  devotions,  and  through  the 
loyalty  to  her  teachings  that  must  spring  from  such  love,  that  her 
members  can  put  her  teachings  into  practice,  and  thus  prove  to  the 
world  that  she  is  what  by  the  divine  plan  she  was  intended  to  be,  the 
teacher  of  faith  and  the  guardian  of  morals. 

MONDAY  AFTERNOON. 

Woodman  Hall  was  the  scene  of  a  merry  gathering  on  this  same 
afternoon;  for  this  was  “Children’s  Day.”  Music,  and  songs,  and 
recitations,  and  refreshments  afforded  the  young  folk  a  most  enjoyable 
time. 


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Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


MONDAY  NIGHT. 

At  7:30  p.  m.,  the  church  was  again  thronged  with  people,  for 
solemn  benediction  and  a  sermon  had  been  announced.  The  officers  of 
benediction  were  Very  Rev.  D.  J.  Spillard,  celebrant;  Rev.  A.  Goulet, 
of  Harvard,  Ill.,  deacon;  Rev.  Joseph  Kramer,  of  Kalamazoo,  Mich., 
sub-deacon ;  and  Rev.  P.  Gildea,  master  of  ceremonies.  Rev.  Thomas 
E.  Cox,  of  St.  Jarlath’s  church,  Chicago,  delivered  the  following  ser¬ 
mon  on  the  church  : 

THE  CHURCH. 

SERMON  BY  REV.  THOMAS  E.  COX. 

“  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God:  I  myself  will  take  of  the  marrow  of  the  high  cedar, 
and  will  set  it  ;  I  will  crop  off  a  tender  twig  from  the  top  of  the  branches  thereof,  and 
will  plant  it  on  a  mountain  high  and  eminent.  On  the  high  mountains  of  Israel  will  I 
plant  it,  and  it  shall  shoot  forth  into  branches,  and  shall  bear  fruit,  and  it  shall 
become  a  great  cedar ;  and  all  birds  shall  dwell  under  it,  and  every  fowl  shall  make  its 
nest  under  the  shadow  of  the  branches  thereof.”  Ezeck.  xvii:22,  23. 

Verv  Reverend  and  Reverend  Fathers ,  Beloved  Brethren : 

In  the  sublime  words  which  you  have  just  heard,  one  of  the  great 
prophets  of  the  old  law.  Ezekiel,  foretells  the  origin,  progress  and 
results  of  a  new  dispensation.  His  theme  is  Christ  and  His  Church. 

The  marrow  of  the  high  cedar  ”  signifies  the  royal  stock  of  David. 
•“  A  tender  twig  ”  refers  to  Christ  Jesus.  “  A  mountain  high  and 
eminent — the  high  mountains  of  Israel  ”  denote  the  church.  Similarly 
Isaias  (ii:2)  called  the  church  “  the  mountain  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,” 
and  the  Psalmist  (lxvii:  1 7)  speaks  of  it  as  “a  mountain  in  which  God  is 
well  pleased  to  dwell.”  The  “twig,”  says  the  prophet,  will  “become  a 
great  cedar.”  “It  shall  shoot  forth  into  branches,  and  shall  bear 
fruit.”  The  Church  in  which  Christ  is  planted  will  be  rich  in  results. 
“  Every  fowl  shall  make  its  nest  under  the  shadow  of  the  branches 
thereof.”  All  those  who  lift  themselves  above  the  earth  and  things 
earthly  shall  find  their  true  home  and  shelter  here. 

The  figures  and  phrases  employed  by  Ezekiel  bear  a  striking 
resemblance  to  the  words  of  our  Lord  in  the  parable  of  the  grain  of 
mustard-seed  (Matt.  xiii:3 1).  In  that  parable  Christ  tells  of  the  growth 
and  glory  of  His  Kingdom,  the  Church,  which  He  established  to  be  the 
home  of  his  chosen  ones,  small  in  its  beginnings,  but  destined  to 
flourish  and  grow,  until  it  surpasses  every  other  institution  on  earth. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


213 


We  have  assembled  here  tonight  in  a  devoutly  religious  spirit  to 
commemorate  the  planting  of  that  mustard-seed  on  this  spot.  It  is  a 
source  of  great  joy  and  satisfaction  to  advert  to  the  local  aspects  of  this 
celebration,  to  consider  the  progress  and  prosperity  of  Christ’s  kingdom 
here  in  our  midst;  but  it  is  also  eminently  proper  at  this  time  for  me  to 
survey  the  Church  of  Christ  in  its  totality,  as  it  stands  from  the  begin- 


REV.  THOS.  E.  COX. 


ning  and  sheds  lustre  on  everything  local.  The  Church  of  Christ 
invites  the  study  and  challenges  the  praise  and  admiration  of  all  right- 
minded  men. 

Rationalism,  naturalism  and  indifferentism  are  said  to  be  the  pre¬ 
vailing  and  characteristic  intellectual  aberrations  of  our  times.  While 
this  is  largely  true,  it  is  also  a  fact  that  the  want  of  faith  and  the  skep¬ 
ticism  which  these  intellectual  phrases  signify  are  nothing  new.  When 
Christ,  the  “  light  of  the  world,”  laid  down  the  condition  and  cause  of 
spiritual  birth,  saying  :  “Unless  a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the 


214 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


kingdom  of  God”  (John  iii:3),  the  skeptical  Pharisee  was  there  to  ask 
“  How  can  a  man  be  born  when  he  is  old  ?  ”  When  the  Saviour 
announced  the  fact  of  the  remission  of  sins,  they  said  (Matt,  ix),  “  He 
blasphemeth,”  and  forthwith  Christ  must  work  a  miracle  to  prove  that 
“  the  Son  of  Man  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins.”  When  with 
tenderest  love  towards  us  He  promised  to  give  His  body  and  blood  for 
the  life  and  nourishment  of  our  souls,  the  unbelieving  multitude  mur¬ 
mured  and  said  (John  vi),  “ How  can  this  man  give  us  his  flesh  to  eat? 
This  saying  is  hard,  and  who  can  hear  it  ?  ”  The  world  always  has  had 
its  rationalists,  skeptics  and  indifferentists. 

But  in  spite  of  such  manifest  exceptions,  the  vast  majority  of  men 
realize  in  their  own  hearts  both  the  necessity  of  religion  and  the  need 
of  revelation.  In  a  word,  mankind  at  large  is  ready  to  believe  in  the 
reality  of  the  supernatural.  Without  religion  and  revelation  life  and 
death,  virtue  and  vice,  duty  and  destiny  are  but  riddles,  and  confusion, 
contradictions,  darkness  and  despair  would  speedily  turn  the  world 
again  to  chaos. 

Reason  itself  demands  something  higher  than  reason.  Revelation 
is  supremely  rational.  The  natural  demands  the  supernatural.  God 
reveals  Himself  in  His  works,  as  indeed  St.  Paul  remarks,  “  so  that 
they  ”  who  reject  the  lessons  of  Nature  “  are  inexcusable.”  “  For,”  says 
the  same  Apostle,  “  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the  creation  of  the 
world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the  things  that  are  made  ; 
his  eternal  power  also  and  divinity  ”  (Rom.  i:5).  But  the  book  of 
Nature  does  not  fully  express  the  author  of  Nature.  Science  does  not 
and  cannot  see  everything.  What  Nature  cannot  teach  man  in  a 
natural  way,  the  Creator  has  been  pleased  to  tell  in  another  way,  a  super¬ 
natural  way.  This  is  revelation.  Hence  St.  Paul  again  declares  that 
God,  who  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers  manners  spoke  in  times  past 
to  the  fathers,  by  the  prophets,  last  of  all  in  these  days  hath  spoken  to 
us  by  His  Son”  (Heb.  i:  1-3)-  Christ  was  a  revelation  of  God  to  Man. 

The  necessity  of  believing  what  has  been  truly  revealed,  and  of 
obeying  whatever  has  been  commanded,  follows  if  we  admit  the  fact  of 
revelation.  This  is  consistent  with  the  duty  of  an  intelligent  and  free- 
willed  creature,  who  alone  renders  due  homage  through  his  intelligence 
and  will,  by  submitting  his  intellect  in  belief  and  by  subjecting  his  will 
in  obedience  to  the  Creator’s  commands.  All  the  doctrine,  ceremonies 
and  services  of  true  religion  have  no  other  end  in  view  than  the  glory 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


215 


of  the  Creator  and  the  perfection  of  the  creature  through  the  exercise 
of  intellect  and  will  in  knowing  and  doing  the  duties  of  life  and  the 
commands  of  God. 

It  was  not  enough  that  Christ’s  message  to  mankind  should  have 
reached  a  solitary  nation  or  a  single  generation.  In  order  to  enlighten 
the  whole  world  Christ  must  establish  a  teaching  church.  He  said:  “I 
will  build  my  Church”  (Matt.  xvi:i8).  He  gathered  about  Him  a  band 
of  disciples.  He  chose  out  of  their  midst  twelve  Apostles,  “  Calling 
together  the  twelve  Apostles,  he  gave  them  power  and  authority” 
(Luke  ix:i).  He  gave  them  a  world-wide  commission.  “  Go  ye  into  the 
whole  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature  ”  (Mark  xvi:  15). 
“  Going  therefore,  teach  ye  all  nations”  (Matt.  xxviii:i8).  The  Church 
which  the  Saviour  founded  was  an  institution  for  conveying  His  gospel 
and  teaching  His  truths  to  all  men  and  to  all  times.  Hence  St.  Paul 
declares  (Ephes.  iv:n,  12),  “  He  gave  some  apostles  and  some  prophets 
and  others  some  evangelists,  and  others  some  pastors  and  doctors,  for  the 
perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying 
of  the  body  of  Christ.” 

Christ  promised  supernatural  assistance  to  those  wfhom  He  sent. 
“  I  will  ask  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Paraclete,  that  he 
may  abide  with  you  forever.  The  Spirit  of  Truth”  (John  xiv:i6,  17). 
“  I  will  give  you  a  mouth  and  wisdom,  which  your  adversaries  shall  not 
be  able  to  resist  and  gainsay”  (Luke  xxi:i5).  “You  shall  receive  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  coming  upon  you,  and  shall  be  witnesses  to 
me  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Judea,  and  Samaria,  and  even  to  the 
uttermost  parts  of  the  earth”  (Acts  i:8). 

He  promised  them  His  own  divine  power  and  presence  and 
authority.  “  As  the  Father  hath  sent  me,  I  also  send  you ’’(John  xx:2i). 
“  I  am  with  you  all  days,  even  to  the  consummation  of  the  world  ” 
(Matt.  xxviii:2o).  “  Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  upon  earth,  it  shall  be 
bound  also  in  heaven  ”  (Matt,  xvi:  19).  “  He  that  heareth  you  heareth 

me  ”  (Luke  xx:i6). 

Every  one  is  bound  to  hear  Christ’s  Church,  the  rich  and  the  poor, 
the  little  and  the  great.  “  We  have  received  grace  and  apostleship  for 
obedience  to  the  faith  in  all  nations  for  His  name  ”  (Rom.  i:5).  “  If 

he  will  not  hear  the  church,”  says  Christ,  “let  him  be  to  thee  as  the 
heathen  and  publican  ”  (Matt.  xviii:i 7).  Hence  St.  Paul  asks,  “How 
shall  we  escape  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation,  which,  having  begun  to 


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be  declared  by  the  Lord,  was  confirmed  unto  us  by  them  that  heard 
Him.”  (Heb.  ii:3).  The  notion  that  every  man  may  make  His  own 
religion  and  be  his  own  church  is  one  fostered  by  the  father  of  lies  to 
bring  to  destruction  the  proud  and  self-conceited.  The  duty  of  finding 
the  church,  and  the  obligation  of  obeying  its  commands,  follow  neces¬ 
sarily  from  the  existence  and  purpose  of  the  church. 

In  order  that  no  one  should  fail  in  finding  the  true  faith,  or  in 
entering  the  true  fold,  Christ  endowed  His  church  with  certain  marks, 
by  which  it  may  be  distinguished  from  every  spurious  rival,  and  may  be 
recognized  and  known  as  His  alone.  He  has  built  His  city  on  the 
mountain;  He  has  “  set  His  tabernacle  in  the  sun.”  The  marks  of  the 
true  church  are  plainer  than  the  features  of  the  human  face.  Christ 
established  a  visible,  tangible  institution.  It  has  been  called  “the 
mountain  of  the  house  of  the  Lord — prepared  on  the  top  of  mountains.” 
It  is  likened  to  a  light  upon  a  candle-stick.  It  is  not  an  airy,  nonde¬ 
script  phantasmagoria.  It  is  composed  of  men  ;  its  membership  can  be 
numbered.  We  read  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  that  in  the  very  begin¬ 
ning  three  thousand  were  added  to  the  church  in  one  day.  Its  doctrines 
are  definite  and  intelligible.  Its  sacraments  and  ceremonies  are  things 
that  fall  under  the  cognizance  of  the  senses.  “  Faith  cometh  by  hear¬ 
ing— and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ?  ”  The  church  is,  as 
St.  Paul  says,  the  body  of  Christ,  and  nothing  is  more  tangible  and  visi¬ 
ble  than  a  body.  Visibility  is,  therefore,  a  prime  requisite  of  the  church 
“built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  prophets  and  apostles,  Jesus  Christ 
himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone”  (Ephes.  ii:2o). 

The  first  mark  of  the  true  church  is  its  unity.  The  words  of  the 
Canticle  express  this  most  precisely :  “  My  perfect  one  is  but  one  ” 
(Cant.  vi:8).  The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  (iv:32)  tell  us  that  “  the  multitude 
of  believers  had  but  one  heart  and  one  soul.”  “  By  this  shall  all  men 
know,”  says  our  Lord,  “that  you  are  my  disciples,  if  you  have  love  one 
for  another  ”  (John  xiii:3 5).  “  We  being  many,”  says  St.  Paul  (1  Cor. 

x:i7),  “are  one  bread,  one  body,  all  that  partake  of  one  bread.”  And 
again,  “for  in  one  spirit  were  we  all  baptized  into  one  body  ”  (1  Cor. 
xii.13).  “One  body  and  one  spirit;  as  you  are  called  in  one  hope  of 
your  calling,  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of 
all  ”  (Ephes.  iv:46).  “Other  sheep  I  have,”  says  our  Lord,  “that  are 
not  of  this  fold ;  them  also  I  must  bring  and  they  shall  hear  my  voice 
and  there  shall  be  one  fold  and  one  shepherd  ”  (John x:i 6).  “Every 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


217 


kingdom  divided  against  itself  shall  be  made  desolate,  and  every  city  or 
house  divided  against  itself  shall  not  stand”  (Matt.  xii:25). 

The  unitv  of  the  church  means  that  all  of  its  members  believe  the 

j 

same  doctrines,  partake  of  the  same  sacraments  and  obey  the  same 
authority.  It  means  oneness  of  doctrine,  of  observance  and  of  govern¬ 
ment.  Schism  transgresses  against  the  authority  of  the  church. 
Heresy  sins  against  unity  of  doctrine,  and  St.  Paul  says,  “  a  man  that 
is  a  heretic — avoid.”  The  theory  that  all  creeds  are  equally  pleasing 
to  God  implies  that  falsehood  and  truth  are  of  like  force,  or  that  nothing 
is  of  necessity.  It  implies  that  the  intellect  is  free  to  accept  the  absurd, 
that  truth  is  without  any  innate  rights,  and  that  all  doctrine  is  a  trifle. 
St.  Paul,  however,  taught  otherwise.  He  tells  the  people  to  “  stand 
fast  in  one  spirit,  in  one  mind,  laboring  together  for  the  faith  of  the 
gospel”  (Phil.  i:2 7).  “There  are  some  that  trouble  you,”  he  says, 
“  and  would  pervert  the  gospel  of  Christ.  But  though  we  or  an 
angel  from  heaven  preach  a  gospel  to  you  besides  that  which  we  have 
preached  to  you,  let  him  be  anathema  ”  (Gal.  i:7,  8). 

The  second  mark  of  the  true  church  is  its  holiness.  “  Christ  also 
loved  the  church  and  delivered  himself  up  for  it,  that  he  might  sanctify 
it,  cleansing  it  by  the  laver  of  water  in  the  word  of  life,  that  he  might 
present  it  to  himself  a  glorious  church,  not  having  spot  or  wrinkle  or 
any  such  thing,  but  that  it  should  be  holy  and  without  blemish  ” 
(Ephes.  v:25,  27).  “This  is  the  law  of  the  house  upon  the  top  of  the 
mountain;  all  its  border  round  about  is  most  holy”  (Ezeck.  xliii:  1 2). 
The  church  is  holy  in  its  founder,  Jesus  Christ,  “  who  did  no  sin,  neither 
was  guile  found  in  his  mouth  ”  (1  Pet.  ii:2 2).  The  doctrines  which 
the  church  proposes  are  holy.  “  For  the  grace  of  God  our  Saviour  hath 
appeared  to  all  men,  instructing  us  that  denying  ungodliness  and  worldly 
desires  we  should  live  soberly  and  justly  and  godly  in  this  world  ” 
(Titus  ii:ii,  12).  All  are  invited  to  a  holy  life.  “  For  our  exhortation 
was  not  of  error,  nor  of  uncleanness,  nor  in  deceit,  but  as  we  were 
approved  by  God  that  the  gospel  should  be  committed  to  us,  even  so 
we  speak,  not  as  pleasing  men  but  God  ”  (1  Thess.  i i : 3 .  4).  Finally, 
as  a  matter  of  fact,  the  church  produces  holy  lives  in  her  children.  She 
offers  the  most  powerful  means  and  the  highest  motive  for  right  con¬ 
duct.  She  presents  the  greatest  examples  of  excellence  in  the  innu¬ 
merable  host  of  holy  men  and  women  that  have  made  life  luminous  by 
their  heroic  virtues,  and  have  kept  themselves  unspotted  from  this  world. 


2 18 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


It  must  not  be  supposed,  however,  that  all  members  of  the  true 
church  are  saints.  The  only  semblance  of  an  argument  against  the 
Church  of  God  is  the  evil  lives  of  some  of  its  adherents.  The  goats  are 
found  with  the  sheep,  the  cockle  with  the  wheat ;  the  good  and  bad 
fishes  are  contained  in  the  same  net.  This  is  the  sad  truth  which  St. 
Peter  confesses  when  he  says,  “  the  name  of  God  through  you  is  blas¬ 
phemed  among  the  gentiles  ”  (Rom.  i i : 2 4) . 

The  third  mark  of  the  true  church  is  its  Catholicity.  The  Jewish 
dispensation,  which  was  tribal  and  national  in  character,  was  to  be  suc¬ 
ceeded  by  a  society  universal  in  scope.  “  The  mountain  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,”  says  Isaias  ii:2,  “shall  be  prepared  on  the  top  of  moun¬ 
tains,  and  it  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills,  and  all  nations  shall  flow 
unto  it.”  Christ  Himself  has  said,  “many  shall  come  from  the  east  and 
the  west,  and  shall  sit  down  with  Abraham  and  Isaac  and  Jacob  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  ”  (Matt.  viii:n).  “Teach  ye  all  nations — teaching 
them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you.  And 
behold,  I  am  with  you  all  days,  even  to  the  consummation  of  the  world  ” 
(Matt.  xxviii:2o).  We  learn  from  Christ  Himself  that  his  church  must  be 
Catholic  in  territory,  in  time  and  in  truth.  It  must  subsist  in  all 
ages,  teach  all  nations,  maintain  all  truth.  This  church  is  no  foreign 
institution  ;  it  is  at  home  everywhere.  It  possesses  the  power  to  spread 
and  the  vitality  to  flourish  from  age  to  age,  unaltered  and  unalterable. 
Its  membership  is  gathered  out  of  every  tribe  and  tongue  and  people 
and  nation. 

The  fourth  mark  of  Christ’s  church  is  its  apostolicity.  It  was 
founded  on  the  apostles  and  it  has  its  doctrine,  its  orders  and  its  mission 
from  them.  “  The  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve  foundations,  and  in  them 
the  twelve  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  of  the  Lamb  ”  (Apoc.  xxi:i4). 
“  You  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  apostles  ”  (Ephes.  ii :  1 9,  20). 
“  The  doctrine  of  the  apostles,”  says  St.  Irenaeus,  who  lived  in  the 
second  century,  “  is  the  true  faith  which  is  known  to  us  through  the 
episcopal  succession — which  has  reached  even  to  our  age.”  A  religion 
that  fails  to  connect  us  with  the  apostles  of  Christ  is  confessedly  spu¬ 
rious,  unauthorized  and  erroneous. 

The  four  marks  already  mentioned  as  belonging  to  the  church, 
— unity,  holiness,  Catholicity  and  Apostolicity — are  the  property  of  but 
one  institution  on  earth.  They  make  it  easy  for  an  earnest  seeker 
to  succeed  in  his  search,  and  to  be  sure  in  his  adhesion  to  the  true  faith. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


219 


“  Stand  ye  on  the  ways,  and  see  and  ask  for  the  old  paths,  which  is  the 
good  way,  and  walk  ye  in  it;  and  you  shall  find  refreshment  for  your 
souls  ”  (Jer.  vi:i6). 

Besides  these  four  characteristic  marks,  the  church  possesses  cer¬ 
tain  essential  attributes  which  must  not  be  overlooked.  It  has  authority  ; 
it  possesses  the  life  and  power  to  perform  its  heavenly  mission.  It 
speaks  with  no  uncertain  sound.  It  is  infallible.  It  cannot  teach  as  true 
that  which  is  false  in  faith  or  morals.  The  spirit  of  truth  abides  in  it, 
and  guides  it  in  the  way  of  all  truth.  “  If  any  one  preach  to  you  a 
gospel  besides  that  which  you  have  received,  let  him  be  anathema  ” 
(Gal.  i:9).  It  is  indefectible.  It  cannot  fail  in  existence  nor  in  the  ex¬ 
ercise  of  its  powers.  Christ  has  promised  to  be  with  it  till  the  consum¬ 
mation  of  the  world.  Let  no  one  delude  you.  The  religion  of  the 
future  will  be  the  religion  that  Christ  established,  the  one  that  goes 
back  to  Jerusalem  and  comes  down  to  us  in  an  unbroken  succession, 
unimpaired  in  vitality  and  vigor. 

If  we  look  closely  into  the  constitution  and  character  of  the  church, 
we  cannot  fail  to  recognize  along  with  the  great  outward  marks  that 
have  been  mentioned  certain  other  minor  notes  that  spring  from  her 
very  nature.  To  mention  but  two  :  first,  her  adaptability  to  human  needs; 
second,  her  missionary  spirit. 

Christ  founded  the  church  for  men,  and  He  has  enriched  it  with 
gifts  and  graces  for  all  human  needs.  For  every  ill  of  life  the  church  has 
a  remedy.  For  every  right  undertaking  she  offers  encouragement  and 
aid.  From  our  birth  to  our  burial  she  comes  to  us  with  comforts  and 
consolations.  The  poor  and  rich,  young  and  old,  the  learned  and  the 
unlettered,  find  in  her  doctrines,  her  services,  her  sacraments,  and  her 
tremendous  sacrifice,  the  food  that  sustains  and  the  force  that  lifts 
human  life  into  the  sphere  of  the  supernatural. 

The  church  in  all  ages  has  given  evidence  of  her  apostolic  com¬ 
mission.  She  possesses  the  missionary  spirit.  This  is  why  she  is  found 
everywhere.  Catholic  missionaries  have  led  the  march  into  worlds 
unknown.  Her  zealous  sons  have  crossed  the  seas,  penetrated  the 
dense  forests,  traversed  the  rivers  and  lakes  in  search  of  souls  to  save. 
“  Verily  their  sound  hath  gone  forth  into  the  earth,  and  their  words 
unto  the  ends  of  the  whole  world  ”  (Rom.  x:i8).  The  church  is  the 
world’s  greatest  civilizer. 

As  a  result  of  that  missionary  spirit,  the  church  of  God  was  estab¬ 
lished  here.  Fifty  years  ago  the  mustard-seed  was  sown  on  this 


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Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


delightful  spot.  “The  tender  twig”  was  planted  here  “on  a  mountain 
high  and  eminent.”  Fifty  years  of  sunshine  and  shower,  of  storm  and 
calm,  have  ripened  the  fruit.  The  lives  of  saintly  men  and  the  prayers 
and  tears  of  a  noble,  generous  people  have  made  the  treasure  of  faith 
precious  to  you  all.  This  beautiful  temple  which  you  have  erected  and 
the  excellent  school  which  you  have  established,  and  all  the  parochial 
properties  here  stand  in  evidence  of  the  generosity,  piety,  zeal  and  per¬ 
fect  good  taste  of  the  pastors  and  the  people  of  this  parish. 

It  is  my  earnest  prayer  that  your  future  may  be  one  of  growth  and 
progress  in  every  good,  that  the  mark  of  Catholic  unity  be  seen  here. 
“  Love  one  another.”  Let  harmony  and  helpfulness  characterize  the 
people  of  this  parish  evermore.  May  your  lives  be  examples  of  heroic 
holiness.  The  Catholic  name  is  a  synonym  of  honor,  honesty,  purity, 
sobriety  and  truth.  You  must  stand  for  these  virtues.  Be  loyal  to  the 
authority  of  the  church.  Help  one  another  to  carry  the  burdens  of  life. 
Lift  yourselves  above  sordid,  mean  motives.  Be  people  of  conviction, 
of  conscience,  of  character.  Again  I  repeat,  make  the  marks  of  the 
true  church  conspicuous  in  this  congregation  :  unity,  holiness,  Catholic 
faith  and  Apostolic  zeal.  The  serious,  earnest-minded  people  who 
surround  you  will  see  your  good  works  and  will  glorify  God.  The 
whole  community  rejoices  today  in  the  joy  of  your  Golden  Jubilee. 
The  time  is  at  hand  for  the  Catholic  church  here  to  be  the  Church  of 
all  the  people. 

TUESDAY  MORNING. 

On  Tuesday  morning  a  solemn  requiem  mass  was  offered  for  the 
deceased  priests  and  people  of  the  parish.  Rev.  J.  Rohde,  of  St. 
Joseph’s  Church,  Elgin,  was  celebrant ;  and  was  assisted  by  Rev.  Joseph 
Kramer,  deacon;  Rev.  P.  Gormley,  of  Huntley,  sub-deacon;  and  Rev. 
A.  Goulet,  of  Harvard,  master  of  ceremonies.  Father  Spillard,  who  had 
spent  most  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  here,  very  appropriately  preached 
the  historical  sermon. 

He  took  for  his  text  the  words  of  the  Apocalypse,  chapter  xiv, 
verse  13  :  “And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  to  me,  write  : 
Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord.  From  henceforth  now 
saith  the  spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors  :  for  their  works 
follow  them.” 

He  first  spoke  of  the  foundation  of  the  Catholic  church  by  Christ 
and  His  apostles.  He  gave  a  brief  but  graphic  account  of  the  labors 


St.  Marys  Parish ,  Elgin,  111. 


221 


and  trials  of  the  early  Christian  missionaries.  Turning  from  the  history 
of  the  church  at  large,  he  related  in  a  summary  way  the  history  of  St. 
Mary’s  parish.  The  sacrifices  of  the  priests  and  the  poverty  of  the 
people  in  the  early  days  were  mentioned. 

Father  Spillard  came  to  Elgin  in  1854,  three  years  after  the  erec 
tion  of  the  first  church.  The  priests  before  that  time,  therefore,  were 
not  personally  known  to  him;  but  he  saw  evidences  of  their  zeal.  He 
spoke  of  Father  Feely  as  the  church  builder,  a  man  of  learning,  great 
activity  and  business  ability.  He  remembered  Father  Gallagher  as  a 
quiet,  studious  priest,  well  beloved  by  all  the  people.  He  had  a  vivid 
recollection  of  that  good  priest’s  drowning. 

Each  of  the  former  pastors  was  mentioned  in  turn,  his  character 
sketched,  and  his  chief  works  related.  In  speaking  of  Father  Mackin, 
he  said  that  the  present  magnificent  edifice  would  stand  as  a  monu¬ 
ment  to  him. 

The  sermon  was  particularly  interesting  to  the  older  parishioners. 

TUESDAY  EVENING. 

The  parish  reunion,  which  was  held  on  Tuesday  evening,  was  one 
of  the  most  enjoyable  features  of  the  jubilee  celebration.  Over  a  thou¬ 
sand  members  of  the  church  and  their  friends  assembled  at  the  hall, 
listened  to  the  informal  program  and  talked  over  old  times.  Short 
addresses  were  made  by  Fathers  McCann,  Spillard,  and  Maloney,  and 
by  General  J.  S.  Wilcox.  Miss  Hazel  Fordrescher,  Miss  Nellie  Jones, 
and  Mrs.  Frank  Spillard  sang  solos  ;  and  Miss  Fay  played  a  piano 
selection.  Edna  Walker. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING,  THE  DEDICATION  OF  THE  NEW  CHURCH. 

The  third  and  final  day  of  the  Jubilee  celebration  witnessed  the 
imposing  and  impressive  ceremony  of  the  dedication.  The  services  at 
the  church  were  preceded  by  a  stately  procession  from  the  depot. 
Rt.  Rev.  P.  J.  Muldoon,  our  esteemed  auxiliary  bishop,  arrived  with  a 
host  of  accompanying  clergymen,  at  9:40  a.  m.,  on  the  Chicago,  Mil¬ 
waukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway.  They  were  welcomed  to  Elgin  in  fitting 
manner  by  our  worthy  pastor,  Rev.  J.  J.  McCann  and  assistant  pastors, 
Rev.  P.  Gildea  and  Rev.  J.  B.  Murray. 

A  procession,  consisting  of  Elgin’s  Court  Catholic  Order  of  For¬ 
esters,  the  Gifford  Club  and  the  Temperance  Cadets,  had  formed  at 
Pythian  Hall  and  marched  to  the  depot  as  escort  to  the  Right  Reverend 


SCENES  DURING  LAST  DAY  OF  JUBILEE 


St.  Mary's  Parish ,  Elgin ,  ///. 


223 


Bishop  and  his  party.  Headed  by  a  platoon  of  Elgin’s  blue  coated 
guardians  of  the  peace  and  the  Elgin  Military  Band,  the  escort  led  the 
way  for  the  carriages  containing  the  illustrious  guests  to  the  parochial 
residence.  There,  the  Right  Reverend  and  Reverend  gentlemen  robed 
themselves  for  the  impressive  ceremony. 

Clear  skies  and  radiant  sunshine  smiled  heaven’s  pleasure  at  the 
ceremonial  homage  to  the  Master  alike  of  heaven  and  earth. 

Of  the  many  consecrative  and  dedicatory  ceremonies  of  the  Catho¬ 
lic  church,  none  is  more  impressive  than  that  witnessed  in  Elgin  today. 

From  the  first  intonation  of  the  penitential  psalms  to  the  final  bene¬ 
diction  of  the  bishop,  every  detail  is  replete  with  a  religious  and  deep 
significance. 

In  these  matter-of-fact  days  of  ours,  ceremonial  of  any  sort  is  apt  to 
be  regarded  as  vain  display, but  to  any  unprejudiced  observer  the  cere¬ 
monies  of  the  Catholic  church  must  appeal,  if  he  will  but  note  their 
deep  import,  remembering  that  these  same  ceremonies  and  the  accom¬ 
panying  psalms  and  anthems  have  been  handed  down  unchanged  for 
generations  since  the  earliest  days  of  a  church,  whose  natal  day  was 
that  which  heard  Christ’s  announcement,  “  Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon 
this  rock  I  will  build  my  church.” 

The  first  sentiment  expressed  in  this  ceremony  of  dedication  is 
that  which  all  Christian  writers  teach  is  the  first  requirement  on  our 
part,  in  addressing  the  Creator,  humility,  self-abasement,  and  the  words 
employed  to  express  them  are  those  of  the  psalmists  of  Holy  Scripture 
(Psalms  6,  31,  50,  101,  129,  142),  known  by  the  church  as  the  seven 
penitential  psalms  and  beginning  :  “  Rebuke  me  not,  O  Lord,  in  Thy 
indignation, nor  chastise  me  in  Thy  wrath.”  “Blessed  are  those  whose 
iniquities  are  forgiven,  and  whose  sins  are  covered.”  “  Blessed  is  the 
man  to  whom  the  Lord  hath  not  imputed  sin,  and  in  whose  spirit  there 
is  no  guile.”  “Have  mercy  on  me,  O  God,  according  to  Thy  great 
mercy.”  (The  “miserere,”  which  has  inspired  so  many  poets  and 
artists.)  “Out  of  the  depth  I  have  cried  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  Lord  hear  my 
prayer.”  “  Hear,  O  Lord,  my  prayer  and  let  my  cry  come  unto  Thee.” 

These  are  followed  by  the  litanies,  supplications  to  the  Almighty 
and  his  sainted  servants,  to  the  one  for  direct  aid,  to  the  other  for 
intercession.  After  these  the  bishop  blesses  the  water  and  salt,  two 
emblematical  materials,  which  with  oil  and  incense  are  so  constantly 
used  by  the  church  in  all  her  ceremonies.  He  then  sprinkles  himself 
and  his  attendants,  again  applying  the  words  of  the  psalmist  : 


224 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


“  Sprinkle  me,  O  Lord,  with  hyssop  and  I  will  be  cleansed,  Thou 
wilt  cleanse  me  and  I  will  be  made  whiter  than  snow.”  Then  he 
sprinkles,  in  like  manner,  the  outer  walls  and  portals  of  the  edifice, 
blessing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whilst  the  attendant  priests  sing  in  scriptural  phrase  :  “The  house  of 
the  Lord  is  founded  upon  the  mountain-top  and  is  exalted  upon  every 
hill,  and  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  shall  come  to  it.” 


V. 


INTERIOR  OF  THE  CHURCH  DURING  HIGH  MASS  AFTER  DEDICATION. 

Assuming  his  mitre  and  pastoral  staff,  he  approaches  the  closed 
door  of  the  church  and  strikes  it  with  his  staff,  saying  :  “  Lift  up  your 

gates,  O  princes,  ascend  eternal  gates  and  the  King  of  Glory  will  enter 
in.”  This  ceremony  he  repeats  a  second  and  a  third  time,  the  last 
time  making  the  sign  of  the  cross  upon  the  threshold  of  the  door,  say¬ 
ing  :  “  Behold  the  sign  of  the  cross,  let  all  phantoms  flee  before  it.” 

Being  admitted  with  his  attendants  by  the  deacon  who  is  within,  he 
says,  “Peace  to  this  house.” 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


225 


The  interior  of  the  edifice  is  then  blessed  in  all  its  parts  very  much 
after  the  same  manner  as  the  outer  walls,  accompanied  by  the  chant¬ 
ing  of  appropriate  hymns,  canticles  and  litanies,  concluding  with  the 
blessing  and  consecration  of  the  altar  itself,  upon  which  is  to  be  cele¬ 
brated  the  divine  sacrifice  of  the  mass,  the  essential,  the  fundamental, 
the  raison  d’etre  of  the  Catholic  church,  the  one  thing  which  so  entirely 
and  completely  distinguishes  it  from  any  and  all  other  “  places  of  wor¬ 
ship. ,J  The  dedication  ceremonies  were  followed  by  solemn  high  mass, 
“Coram  episcopo,”  celebrated  by  Rev.  Jas.  Callaghan  of  St.  Malachy’s 
Church,  Chicago,  with  Rev.  P.  C.  Conway  of  St.  Pius’  Church,  as  dea¬ 
con  ;  and  Rev.  J.  J.  Dennison  of  St.  Mary’s  of  the  Lake,  as  sub-deacon  ; 
and  Very  Rev.  D.  J.  Spillard,  as  master  of  ceremonies.  The  deacons 
of  honor  were  Very  Rev.  P.  Dunne  of  Joliet,  and  Rev.  J.  Rohde  of 
Elgin. 


“My  House  is  a  House  ot  Prayer.” 

Dedication  Sermon,  by  Rev.  E.  L.  Rivard,  C.  S.  V.,  D.  D. 

Right  Reverend  Bishop,  Reverend  Fathers,  a?id  my  Dear  Brethren  : 

Aristotle  once  defined  man  as  a  religious  animal.  This  is  a  singu¬ 
lar  saying;  but,  being  interpreted,  it  means  that  man  alone,  being 
rational,  feels  the  need  of  associating  himself  with  higher  reason ;  that 
he  alone  feels  the  necessity  of  acknowledging  his  dependence  upon  the 
Supreme  Being ;  that  he  alone  is  capable  of  appreciating  the  duty  of 
reverence  and  of  loving  service  which  he  owes  to  his  Creator,  the  ruler 
of  the  universe  and  the  bountiful  giver  of  all  good  gifts.  Hence,  it  is 
deep  down  in  man’s  essential  reasonableness  that  is  rooted  this  instinct 
of  religion,  this  religious  sense  that  prompts  him  to  bend  the  knee  in 
adoration,  to  raise  his  eyes  and  hands  to  heaven  in  supplication,  to 
strike  his  breast  in  admission  of  his  faults  and  to  cry  out  for  mercy  and 
pardon ;  it  is  this  same  religious  sense  which  has  from  time  immemorial 
compelled  man  to  build  temples,  to  raise  altars,  to  offer  sacrifices,  to 
demand  priests  who  should  be  mediators  between  the  people  and  the 
Most  High,  white-robed  priests  who  should  be  peacemakers  and  recon¬ 
cilers,  consecrated  pontiffs  who  should  offer  up  prayers  and  sacrifices 
to  God  in  behalf  of  the  people. 

But  as  there  is  no  priest  without  a  sacrifice,  this  being  the  chief 
reason  of  his  existence,  there  is  no  sacrifice  without  an  altar,  and  no 
altar  without  a  temple.  Hence  it  is,  that  the  temple,  that  offspring  of 
heaven  and  earth,  the  temple  with  all  that  it  contains,  is  the  creation 
that  answers  man’s  most  rational  cravings.  When  man  builds  a  church 
he  erects  a  monument  to  his  own  spiritual  nature  and  pays  a  tribute  of 
respect  to  Supreme  Wisdom. 

That  you,  my  friends,  have  demanded  the  erection  of  this  church 
is  a  proof  at  once  of  your  soundly  enlightened  reason  and  deep  religious 
faith  ;  that  you  have  so  soon  completed  it  is  evidence  of  your  genuine 
American  energy  and  of  your  truly  Catholic  generosity.  Upon  both 
are  you  to  be  sincerely  and  warmly  congratulated.  Thank  God  that  He 
gave  you  the  capable  priest  who  so  ably  seconded  and  directed  your  efforts 
in  doing  this  holy  work ;  thank  God  that  He  gave  you  the  zealous  priest 


226 


St.  Mary’s  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


227 


who  so  unsparingly  spent  himself  in  assisting  you  to  build  this  church,  a 
priest  whose  most  fitting  and  most  edifying  epitaph  would  be  those 
words  of  the  psalmist  so  fully  verified  in  him  :  “  The  zeal  for  the  house 
of  the  Lord  hath  eaten  me  up.” 

I  did  not  know  personally  Father  Mackin;  but  I  love  him  for  this 
splendid  temple  which  he  built  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God  ;  I  love 
him  and  thank  him  for  this  thing  of  beauty  he  has  endowed  your  city 


REV.  E.  L.  RIVARD. 

withal.  I  love  and  bless  him  as  we  love  Raphael,  Michael  Angelo, 
Murillo — as  we  love  all  poets  and  artists,  and  all  the  builders  of  fair 
things  that  are  an  inspiration  to  higher,  larger  and  more  joyous  life. 
May  you  long  live,  my  friends,  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  your  church, 
and  to  profit  by  the  ministrations  of  the  devoted  clergy  who  are  now  at 
your  head,  and  for  whom,  as  well  as  for  you  all,  this  day  surely  is  one  of 
the  most  gratifying  triumphs.  Cherish  evermore  your  church  ;  its  far- 
reaching  influence,  like  genial  sunlight,  will  beautify,  cheer  and  sanctify 
your  homes  and  will  strengthen  the  state  in  which  we  all  live. 


228 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


You  have  fixed  here  your  earthly  homes.  The  man  who  builds  a 
home  does  a  grand  and  a  goodly  work.  He  lays  the  foundation  of 
society  and  civilization.  Without  fixed  abodes,  without  permanent 
dwellings,  men  would  be  little  else  than  roaming  bands  of  untamed 
savages.  The  bonds  of  human  society  are  made  fast  by  love ;  the 
entire  social  edifice  is  cemented  by  love.  The  home  is  a  great  seal  and 
blazing  furnace  of  love  that  radiates  its  heat  throughout  and  vivifies 
the  whole  social  organism.  There  glows  not  a  purer  or  brighter  flame 
upon  all  the  altar  fires  of  the  earth  than  domestic  love.  Godlike  is  this 
love  in  the  trinity  of  human  persons;  it  embraces — father,  mother, 
child.  Sacred  is  conjugal  love  which  in  some  mysterious  and  divine 
fashion  fuses  and  welds  together  two  minds,  two  hearts,  two  wills,  two 
souls,  two  complete  beings,  and  gives  them  oneness  of  tendency,  one¬ 
ness  of  purpose,  of  aspiration  and  of  achievement;  sacred  is  this  love 
and  most  carefully  is  it  to  be  guarded,  as  a  living  vestal  flame,  upon  the 
inmost  shrine  of  every  home,  to  evermore  brighten  and  genially 
warm  its  own  blessed  sanctuary.  Divinely  patterned,  too,  is  paternal 
love,  which  ever  inclines  to  and  fast  and  clingingly  embraces  the 
dear  objects  which  it  in  some  way  creates.  Sacred  and  of  divine 
precept  is  filial  piety,  the  love  that  binds  children  to  the  authors 
of  their  existence ;  and  precious  and  sweet  is  brotherly  love, 
which,  like  silken  cord,  gently  keeps  within  the  glow  and  cheer  of  the 
same  domestic  fires  the  brothers  and  sisters  who  derive  their  being 
from  the  same  immediate  fount.  These,  the  purest  loves  of  earth, 
sanctify  the  home  and  mark  it  a  sacred  spot.  Without  them  the  home 
were  as  dreary  and  desolate  as  the  deserted  nests  that  hang  from  leaf¬ 
less  boughs  in  midwinter. 

Now,  to  guard  the  sacredness  of  their  homes,  men  have  erected  in 
their  midst  palaces  of  justice;  they  have  surrounded  their  cities  with 
strong  walls  of  stone  and  fortified  them  with  citadels  and  fortresses ; 
they  have,  in  a  word,  enthroned  justice  and  power,  to  shield,  and 
guard,  and  protect  love.  These  things,  the  capital,  the  court  of  justice, 
the  armory,  are  symbols  of  the  legislative,  the  judicial  and  the  execu¬ 
tive  powers  of  government,  without  which  human  society  could  enjoy 
no  stability,  no  peace,  no  order,  no  happiness.  These,  too,  are  sacred 
institutions  and  are  of  God. 

But  no  sooner  had  men  commenced  building  cities,  homes  for  the 
body,  than,  as  Cicero  tells  us,  they  also  began  to  build  temples,  those 
common  houses  of  the  soul,  temples  in  which  men  would  come  to  meet 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


229 


their  common  Father,  God,  temples  which  would  be  strongholds  of 
divine  justice  and  power  upon  earth,  temples  which  should  be  beacons 
of  divine  light  beaming  down  upon  earth’s  dark  ways,  temples  which 
would  be  citadels  of  divine  truth  and  blazing  firesides  of  human  and 
divine  love.  The  temple  means  all  this  ;  and  it  must.  It  stands  for 
God’s  supremacy  in  wisdom,  in  power,  in  justice  ;  it  stands  alike  for 
God’s  supremacy  in  goodness,  in  love  and  in  mercy.  And,  therefore,  it 
is  that  we  must  both  respect  and  love  the  temple.  If  the  temple  taught 
us  nothing  else  than  reverence,  it  would  be  the  most  potent  of  civiliz¬ 
ing  forces.  The  men  of  our  age  are  not  remarkable  for  reverence. 
For  the  many  there  is  naught  that  is  sacred.  But  for  the  Christian  the 
temple  at  least  is  sacred ;  it  is  the  throne  of  God's  majesty  upon  earth  ; 
it  is  God’s  court  of  justice  in  this,  the  earthly  part  of  His  great  king¬ 
dom  ;  it  is  the  ark  of  God’s  covenant  with  His  people ;  it  marks  a 
spot  which  is  touched  and  sanctified  by  God’s  coming ;  it  is  a  holy  place 
which  radiates  divinity,  a  spot  such  as  inspired  respectful  awe  in  the 
sainted  patriarch  and  compelled  him  to  exclaim  :  “  Terrible  is  this 
place  ;  surely  it  can  be  naught  else  than  the  house  of  God  and  the  gate 
of  heaven.” 

We  should  respect  it  because  it  is  the  house  of  God.  Dovius  mea : 
My  house,  he  calls  it.  Assuredly,  it  is  admitted  even  among  savages, 
that  we  must  respect  a  man  in  his  own  house,  simply  because  he 
receives  us  there ;  this  is  one  of  the  undisputed  rights  of  hospitality. 
God  is  the  master  in  his  temple.  He  it  is  who  receives  us.  And  who 
is  God  ?  A  spirit,  most  perfect,  whom  countless  legions  of  angels  serve 
and  adore ;  a  king  full  of  wisdom,  and  of  power,  of  dignity  and 
grandeur.  He  it  was  who  at  the  dawn  of  creation,  with  potent  and 
lavish  hand,  flung  these  thousand  luminous  orbs  athwart  the  velvet 
azure  of  the  skies ;  He  it  is  who  paints  the  gorgeous  splendors  of  sun¬ 
sets  ;  He  it  is  who  clothes  the  lily  of  the  field  in  splendor  far  surpassing 
that  of  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  ;  He  it  is  who  has  made  man  and 
endowed  him  with  faculties  by  which  he  can  make  his  own  all  these 
grandeurs  and  beauties  of  the  universe ;  He  it  is  who  still  maintains  and 
governs  all  things.  Truly,  is  this  God  magnificent  and  great;  He 
receives  us  in  his  house.  Ought  we  not  to  be  reverent?  He,  too,  is 
our  Judge,  the  all-knowing,  all-seeing,  the  incorruptible.  Before  him 
shall  we  all  trembling  stand  one  day,  when  the  very  pillars  of  heaven 
shall  be  shaken.  ’Tis  He  in  whose  presence  we  are  here.  Oh  I  with 
what  holy  fear  and  awe  we  ought  to  enter  into  God’s  temple. 


230 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


And,  morever,  my  friends,  we  come  here  to  do  what?  The  most 
solemn  acts  of  our  lives ;  to  pray,  to  kneel  in  adoration,  to  take  part  in 
the  august  sacrifice  of  mass,  to  beg  forgiveness,  to  lay  bare  our 
necessities.  What  is  more  momentous  than  baptism  through  which  are 
rent  asunder  the  chains  of  bondage  that  make  us  slaves  of  Satan  ? 
What  is  more  serious,  more  solemn,  than  these  confessionals,  these 
lower  courts  of  the  supreme  tribunal  of  the  last  judgment?  Think  of 
it ;  this  contrition,  is  it  not  a  most  heart-rending  thing  ?  How  it  cleaves 
and  crushes  and  grinds  the  heart !  And  this  avowal  of  guilt,  this  con¬ 
fession  of  our  sins,  is  it  not  most  humiliating?  Can  it  then  be  with 
levity  or  unconcern  we  approach  these  hospitals  of  the  soul  to  lay  our 
soul’s  sores  open  to  God’s  healing  power  ?  And  this  miraculous 
absolution,  this  reconciliation,  this  reinvestiture  in  the  nuptial  robe  of 
grace,  this  putting  on  of  the  ring  of  pardon  and  of  friendship  ;  what 
sweetly  solemn  functions  are  these  !  And  what  could  be  more  august 
than  this  altar  whereupon  is  immolated  the  spotless  victim  of  redemp¬ 
tion,  and  this  holy  table  where  the  soul  is  banqueted  upon  the  bread  of 
angels  and  quaffs  the  blood  of  a  God  who  died  to  wash  away  our  sins  ? 
Again,  where  is  it  that  is  made  that  most  sacred  of  compacts  which  is  ever 
entered  into  by  man,  the  sacramental  contract  of  marriage  ?  Here,  in 
the  church,  before  God’s  altar,  in  God’s  presence.  Here  He  attests 
and  approves  your  love  and  sets  upon  your  sacred  oaths  of  fidelity  the 
eternal  seal  of  the  sacrament.  Such  are  the  solemn  acts  we  come  here 
to  do.  Remember,  then,  the  respect  which  you  owe  to  this  edifice.  Let 
this  church  be  for  you  what  the  ark  of  the  covenant  and  the  temple  of 
Jerusalem  were  to  the  people  of  God.  Remember,  too,  how  Christ, 
mildness  itself,  drove  out  with  whips  those  who  desecrated  the  temple, 
telling  them:  “The  house  of  my  Father  is  a  house  of  prayer,  and 
you  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves,”  Hence,  treat  this  house  with 
respect ;  enter  it,  but  with  awe  and  holy  reverence  and  humility. 
“  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom,”  says  the  Psalmist. 

This  fear,  however,  should  be  filial  reverence  and  not  craven, 
abject  fear.  It  is  a  sentiment  which,  as  in  children,  is  quite  consistent 
with  love.  And,  now,  the  temple  speaks  to  us  of  love  ;  for,  it  is  not  only 
the  throne  of  divine  majesty,  but  it  is  also  the  house  of  our  Father,  the 
home  of  our  souls,  the  mother  of  our  spiritual  life.  How  sweet  and 
ever  blessed  and  fondly  loved  are  these,  Father,  Mother,  Home  !  How 
love  compelling  is  ever  this  word,  home,  with  all  the  treasures  it 
contains !  It  is  there  we  are  born  and  reared,  fed  and  taught.  About 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Elgin,  111. 


231 


this  fond  spot  the  heart  enweaves  our  affections  as  the  ivy  entwines  its 
tendrils  around  the  oak.  It  is  the  pole  of  the  heart’s  magnetic  needle, 
and  towards  it  we  ever  turn.  Such  is  the  church  for  the  soul.  It  is 
our  spiritual  home.  In  it  we  are  born  to  grace  and  salvation  by  bap¬ 
tism  and  penance  through  the  spiritual  paternity  of  the  priest;  in  it  we 
become  children  of  God  and  brothers  of  Christ ;  in  it  we  are  adopted 
heirs  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  in  it  we  are  reared  in  the  ways  of  truth 
and  virtue ;  in  it  we  are  clad  in  the  garments  of  grace  and  girded  with 
strength  to  fight  the  combats  of  perfect  Christians ;  in  it  we  are  fed  upon 
the  bread  of  the  strong  in  the  sacrament  of  love ;  in  it  resides  our  treas¬ 
ure,  the  God  ever  with  us,  that  God  who  is  Supreme  Good,  and  the 
possession  of  whom  alone  can  ever  fill  the  cravings  of  our  hearts;  in  it 
we  are  reminded  by  the  daily  sacrifice  of  the  mass,  and  also  by  these 
speaking  pictures,  of  the  supremest  act  of  love  ever  performed  in  our 
behalf,  the  death  of  Christ.  ’Tis  here  we  give  vent  to  our  feelings  of 
gladness,  to  the  excess  of  our  joy,  repeating  the  love-chants  of  the 
angels  and  the  hozannas  of  exulting  peoples  :  Glory  to  God  in  the 
Highest,  Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Blessed  is  He  who  cometh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord.  Here  do  we  pour  forth  our  souls  in  love  and  thanksgiving 
in  the  swelling  strains  of  the  Te  Deum.  Verily,  so  rich  are  our  churches 
in  heart  filling  treasure,  in  soul  delighting  good,  in  light,  in  beauty,  in 
joy,  in  cheer,  in  gladness,  that  there  is  little  we  might  envy  heaven. 
Come  then  to  this  your  beautiful  church,  my  friends,  with  love  and  joy. 
Come  here  to  rejoice  with  the  angels  who  fill  this  sanctuary ;  come  here 
to  your  spiritual  home  to  rest  and  comfort  your  weary  souls.  Love 
your  church.  Come  to  it  often  :  “  Where  your  treasure  is,  there  your 

heart  is  also.” 

You  have  now  reasons  to  cherish  your  church  more  than  ever.  It 
has  but  this  moment  been  blessed  by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  ;  and,  as 
the  lustral  water  was  sprinkled  about  its  virgin  walls,  it  was  dedicated 
to  Mary.  What  sweetness  and  power  in  that  name !  May  the  sweet¬ 
ness  of  the  virgin  and  the  tenderness  of  the  mother  ever  draw  you 
lovingly  hither  to  prayer.  May  the  power  of  the  Queen  of  Angels  fill 
you  with  confidence  and  assure  you  of  favor  and  protection.  And  when 
you  pass  her  many  beautiful  feasts  throughout  the  year,  fail  not, 
especially  ye  youths  and  young  maidens,  to  plead  with  her  for  that 
cleanliness  of  heart  which  so  well  becomes  and  so  splendidly  adorns 
your  years,  for  that  purity  of  soul  which  will  enable  you  to  appreciate 
God’s  own  beauty  and  loveliness ;  fail  not  ye  parents,  to  beg  of  her  that 


232 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


she  make  you  as  herself,  wise  and  prudent,  that  she,  the  mother  most 
afflicted,  the  mother  of  the  Man  of  sorrows,  make  you  patient  and 
resigned  in  all  the  vexatious  trials  of  this  vale  of  tears.  Thus,  if  you 
come  here  in  these  dispositions,  will  this  your  church  be  for  you  truly 
an  ark  of  salvation,  a  Sinai  of  inspiration,  a  holy  place,  where,  under 
the  auspices  of  her  who  is  called  the  Seat  of  Wisdom,  you  will  learn  to 
know  God  better,  and  under  the  auspices  of  the  Mother  of  Beautiful 


THE  JUBILEE  ALTAR  BOYS. 


John  Elbrinck,  Arthur  O’Brien, 

John  Mann,  Guy  Schifferle,  Lawrence  Ryan,  Eddie  Ponsonby, 
Maurice  Hartman,  Redmond  Ryan, 

Eddie  McOsker,  Elmer  Kelley,  Carl  Gieske,  Freddie  Stewart. 


Love,  you  will  learn  to  love  God  with  your  whole  mind,  heart  and  soul  ; 
a  place  where  you  learn  to  practice  all  the  virtues  which  are  the  adorn¬ 
ment  of  the  highest,  the  largest,  the  most  joyous  and  best  human  life, 
virtues  which  will  fit  you  to  consort  with  angels  in  the  endless  bliss  of 
paradise. 

The  services  closed  with  the  singing  of  the  “  Te  Deum  ”  by  the 
choir  and  the  congregation. 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  III. 


233 


At  i  o’clock  a  banquet  was  served  at  the  parochial  residence  to  all 
the  visiting  clergy,  among  whom  we  may  enumerate  the  following  : 


Very  Rev.  J.  J.  Flaherty, 
Rockford,  Ill. 

Very  Rev.  P.  Dunne, 

Joliet,  Ill. 

Very  Rev.  D.  J.  Spillard,  C.  S.  C., 
New  Orleans. 

Rev.  E.  L.  Rivard,  C.  S.  V.,  D.D., 
Bourbonnais,  Ill. 

Rev.  W.  Donahue,  Joliet,  Ill. 

Rev.  G.  Rathz,  Batavia,  Ill. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Dunne,  Pullman,  111. 

Rev.  P.  J.  Gormley,  Huntley,  Ill. 

Rev.  J.  L.  Maloney,  Fulton,  Ill. 

Rev.  Jos.  Kramer, 

Kalamazoo,  Mich. 

Rev.  F.  J.  Hartman, 

Maple  Park,  Ill. 

Rev.  Thos,  Finn,  Rochelle,  Ill. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Bennett,  Sterling,  Ill. 

Rev.  John  F.  Schmitt,  Aurora,  Ill. 

Rev.  C.  J.  Huth,  Hampshire,  Ill. 

Rev.  M.  Stack,  St.  Charles,  Ill. 


Rev.  A.  Goulet,  Harvard,  Ill. 

Rev.  Jas.  McGovern,  D.  D., 
Lockport,  Ill. 

Rev.  H.  Quinn,  Woodstock,  Ill. 
Rev.  J.  J.  Kregan,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  C.  J.  Hynes,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  P.  J.  O’Connor,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  J.  Nawn,  Chicago,  Ill. 

Rev.  T.  J.  Bobal,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  J.  F.  Kinney,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  T.  J.  McCormick,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  J.  J.  Jennings,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  S.  P.  McDonnell, 

Chicago,  Ill. 

Rev.  F.  P.  Canned,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  P.  J.  Conway,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  J.  J.  Dennison,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  E.  J.  Fox,  Chicago,  Ill. 

Rev.  Jos.  Joyce,  Chicago,  Ill. 

Rev.  T.  J.  Whalen,  Chicago,  Ill. 
Rev.  T.  E.  Cox,  Chicago,  Ill. 

Rev.  E.  L.  Dondanville, 


Chicago,  Ill. 

JUBILEE  COMMITTEES. 

The  success  of  the  Jubilee  celebration  was  due  to  the  work  of  the 
various  committees,  and  their  names  deserve  to  be  recorded.  The 
“  General  Committee  ”  was  composed  of  the  officers  of  the  various 
parish  societies  : 

ELGIN  COURT  CATHOLIC  ORDER  OF  FORESTERS. 

C.  M.  Buel,  C.  R.,  James  Meehan,  R.  S., 

T.  J.  Cleary,  V.  C.  R.,  T.  P.  Sheehan,  F.  S., 

N.  P.  Webber,  Treas. 

ST.  REGINA  COURT  WOMEN’S  CATHOLIC  ORDER  OF  FORESTERS. 

Mrs.  A.  Knox,  C.  R.,  Mrs.  Mary  Mann,  Treas., 

Mrs.  D.  Norton,  V.  C.  R.,  Miss  Julia  Butler,  R.  S., 

Miss  Mary  Freeman,  F.  S. 


4 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


st.  mart’s  social  and  benevolent  society. 


Mrs.  A.  Scott,  Pres., 

Mrs.  F.  Jencks,  R.  S., 

Miss  Ella  McOsker,  V.  P., 

Miss  Maria  Grady,  Treas 

GIFFORD  CLUB. 

John  R.  Powers,  Pres., 

James  Hennessey,  R.  S., 

Lawrence  McNerny,  V.  P., 

George  E.  Hoelscher,  F. 

John  McGraw,  Treas., 

John  O’Brien,  M.  C. 

TEMPERANCE 

CADETS. 

John  Costello, 

Bernard  Dunne, 

John  Morrissey,  . 

Raphael  Thiers, 

Dillon  O’Neil. 

SACRED  HEART 

LEAGUE. 

Mrs.  Wm.  Higgins,  Pres., 

Miss  Agnes  Duffy,  V.  P., 

Miss  Nellie  Reirdon, 

Sec.  and  Treas. 

CHILDREN  OF 

MARY. 

Miss  Nellie  Tennant, 

Miss  Ethel  McCormick, 

Miss  Mary  Tobin, 

Miss  Josephine  Burke. 

JUBILEE  CHOIR. 

Mrs.  Eugenia  Cook, 

Mrs.  H.  A.  Daveler, 

Mrs.  Carl  Swanson, 

Mrs.  F.  A.  Spillard, 

Mrs.  J.  T.  Dakin, 

Mrs.  James  Meehan, 

Miss  Grace  Tennant, 

Miss  F.  Lapeski, 

Miss  Tessie  Smith, 

Miss  Anna  Lynch, 

Miss  Nellie  Jones, 

Miss  Josephine  Lynch, 

B.  A.  Schevers, 

Wm.  Ludford, 

John  Murphy, 

Fred  Mumme, 

H.  H.  Herbert, 

Otto  Peabody, 

E.  J.  Kohn, 

James  Meehan. 

USHERS. 

Joseph  H.  Jones, 

John  O’Brien, 

Edward  J.  Roche, 

E.  J.  Meehan, 

M.  C.  Tobin, 

Henry  Sturm, 

John  F.  Roche, 

Edward  Keating, 

J.  C.  Aubertin, 

Frank  Ahrens, 

Edward  Larkin. 


THE  JUBILEE  CHOIR. 


I. 

Prof.  H.  Von  Plees, 

7- 

Teresa  Algeo, 

2. 

James  Meehan, 

8. 

Mrs.  Eugenie  Cook, 

3- 

Bernard  Scheevers, 

9- 

Rev.  John  McCann, 

4- 

Henry  Herbert, 

10. 

Mrs.  C.  Swanson, 

5- 

Wm.  Ludford, 

1 1. 

Mrs.  Frank  Spillard, 

6. 

Josephine  Lynch, 

1 2. 

Anna  Lynch. 

JUBILEE 

1.  Joseph  Jones, 

2.  E.  J.  Roche, 

3.  M.  C.  Tobin, 

4.  J.  F.  Roche, 

5.  J.  C.  Aubertin, 

6.  John  O’Brien, 


USHERS. 

7.  E.  J.  Meehan, 

8.  Henry  Sturm, 

9.  Edward  Keating, 

10.  Frank  Ahrens, 

11.  Edward  Larkin. 


236 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


DECORATION  COMMITTEE. 


T.  J.  Cleary,  Pres., 

Edward  Larkin, 

Frank  O’Flaherty, 

H.  H.  Foy, 

Wm.  Burke, 

E.  F.  Mann, 

George  Pilcher, 

John  Roche, 

Jacob  Kray, 

John  O’Brien, 

L.  R.  Crane, 

Edward  Burns, 

E.  S.  Mann, 

Edward  Foy, 

J.  F.  Kothe. 

Mrs.  H.  A.  Dorley, 

Mrs.  J.  P.  Mann, 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Roberts, 

Mrs.  I.  C.  Burney, 

Mrs.  J.  B.  Roche, 

Mrs.  George  Schmitt 

Mrs.  John  Powers, 

Mrs.  Fred  Jencks, 

Mrs.  Daniel  Norton, 

Mrs.  Warren  Stowe, 

Miss  Kate  Connors, 

Miss  Johannah  Ryan, 

Miss  Mary  McElroy, 

Miss  Mary  Spillard. 

COMMITTEE  ON 

HISTORY  AND  PRINTING. 

Rev.  John  J.  McCann, 

Mrs.  H.  A.  Dorley, 

T.  P.  Sheehan,  Pres.; 

Miss  Ella  McOsker, 

Mary  Donoghue,  Sec.; 

Miss  Maria  Grady, 

M.  C.  Tobin, 

Miss  Delia  Ryan, 

Dan’l  Gahan,  Jr., 

Miss  Helen  Duhy, 

Edward  Keogh, 

Frank  C.  Fedou, 

Miss  Edna  Walker. 

General  Committee. 


Dr.  H.  J.  Gahagan, 
Rev.  P.  Gildea, 

Thos.  J.  Cleary, 

Mrs.  S.  Knox, 

Miss  Mary  Freeman, 
Miss  Nellie  Riley, 
Miss  Mary  Donohue, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Murray, 


Mrs.  Geo.  Souster, 

Miss  Mary  Spillard, 
Miss  Lizzie  Conway, 
Mrs.  William  Higgins, 
Miss  Nellie  Rierdon, 
Mrs.  B.  Kelley, 

Miss  Ethel  McCormick, 
Miss  Josephine  Burke, 


St.  Marys  Parish,  Elgin,  111. 


237 


Miss  Maria  Grady, 
Thos.  P.  Sheehan, 
Mrs.  Daniel  Norton, 
Miss  Mary  Duhy, 
Miss  Julia  Butler, 
Bernard  Scheevers, 
James  Meehan. 

C.  M.  Buel, 

Mrs.  Alex.  Scott, 
Miss  Ella  McOsker, 


Miss  Mary  Tobin, 

Rev.  John  J.  McCann, 
Miss  Josephine  Lynch, 
Miss  Nellie  Tennant, 
Raphael  Thiers, 

Dillon  G.  O’Neil, 
Bernard  Dunne, 

John  Morressey, 

John  Costello, 

John  McGraw. 


DECORATION  COMMITTEE. 


1.  Edward  Keating, 

2.  Frank  O’Flaherty, 

3.  Frank  McSorley, 

4.  Thos.  Cleary, 

5.  Henry  Foy, 

6.  Edward  Larkin, 

7.  Miss  Johannah  Ryan, 


8.  Mrs.  Geo.  Souster, 

9.  Mrs.  John  Powers, 

10.  Miss  Mary  Spillard, 

11.  Rev.  J.  J.  McCann, 

12.  Mrs.  Daniel  Norton, 

13.  Miss  Mary  McElroy, 

14.  Mrs.  J.  B.  Roach, 


15.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Roberts. 


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COMMITTEE  ON  HISTORY  AND  PRINTING— LADIES. 

1.  Miss  Ella  McOsker,  4.  Miss  Maria  Grady, 

2.  Miss  Helen  Duhy,  5.  Miss  Mary  Donoghue,  Sec., 

3.  Miss  Delia  Ryan,  6.  Miss  Edna  Walker. 


COMMITTEE  ON  HISTORY  AND  PRINTING— GENTLEMEN. 


1.  Rev.  John  J.  McCann, 

2.  T.  P.  Sheehan,  Pres., 

3.  Edward  Keogh, 


4.  M.  C.  Tobin, 

5.  Frank  C.  Fedou, 

6.  Dan’l  Gahan,  Jr. 


Parish  Customs. 


IOH5  A.  M. 
2:00  P.  M. 
4:00  P.  M. 
7:00  P.  M. 
7.3O  P.  M. 


SUNDAY  SERVICES. 

6:15  a.  m.  Mass  and  Instruction  at  Illinois  Northern  Hospital  for  the 

Insane. 

6:30  a.  m.  Mass  at  St.  Mary’s  Academy 

8:15  a.  m.  Children’s  Mass  ard  Instruction,  followed  by  classes  in 

Catechism,  Bible  History  and  Church  History. 

9:15  a.  m.  Low  Mass  and  Instruction. 

High  Mass  and  Sermon. 

Baptisms. 

JL 

Fourth  Sunday,  Children  of  Maiy. 

Sodality  meeting. 

Vespers  and  Benediction  or  Benediction  alone. 

At  the  8:15  mass,  three  or  four  hymns  are  sung  by  the  children  in 
chorus.  Those  who  have  made  their  First  Holy  Communion  are  given 
a  copy  of  “  Benziger’s  Magazine  ”  once  a  month ;  the  younger  children 
receive  a  copy  of  “  The  Young  Catholic  Messenger”  every  second  Sun¬ 
day.  All  children  who  have  attained  the  age  of  seven  years  are 
expected  to  attend  this  mass  on  Sundays  and  Holydays,  and  to  remain 
after  mass  for  Catechism  class.  Though  there  is  no  Catechism  taught 
during  the  months  of  July  and  August,  the  children  attend  this  mass 
the  same  as  during  the  rest  of  the  year. 

The  8:15  mass  is  for  the  children:  but  parents  who  have  pews  are 
free  to  attend  when  necessity  compels  them. 

The  9:15  a.  m.  low  mass,  with  instruction,  is  open  to  all. 

10:15  high  mass  and  sermon. 

The  priest  who  preaches  the  sermon  at  the  high  mass,  also  gives 
the  instruction  at  the  two  low  masses.  At  the  children’s  mass,  he 
adapts  his  instruction  to  the  minds  of  the  young.  The  same  subject  is 
treated  at  the  three  masses,  in  order  that  the  whole  congregation  may 


241 


242 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


hear  the  same  subject  on  one  day,  and  may  be  able  to  discuss  it  in  their 
homes.  The  instruction  at  the  low  masses  is  the  epitome  of  the  regular 
sermon  delivered  at  the  last  mass. 

The  high  mass  is  the  regular  parish  mass,  and  people  ought  to 
make  it  a  rule  to  attend  it.  Those  who  never  attend  the  high  mass 
lose  a  great  deal.  They  miss  the  music,  which  is  a  most  important 
feature  of  this  service,  and  they  also  miss  the  development  of  the 
instruction.  In  the  short  discourses  at  the  earlier  masses,  the  reasons 
and  detailed  explanations  of  doctrine  must  necessarily  be  omitted  for 
lack  of  time. 

Baptism  is  administered  every  Sunday  afternoon  at  2  o’clock.  For 
good  reasons,  baptism  will  be  administered  at  any  other  hour  and  on 
any  other  day  of  the  week. 

A  saint’s  name  ought  to  be  given  to  a  child  at  baptism.  The  reason 
is  that  the  child  may  have  the  saint  as  a  patron,  and  as  a  model  of  con¬ 
duct.  When  the  child  grows  up  it  ought  to  be  given  the  life  of  its 
patron  saint  to  read.  After  first  communion,  the  child  would  do  well 
to  receive  communion  on  the  feast  of  his  or  her  patron.  Observance 
of  patronal  feasts  is  an  old  and  praiseworthy  Catholic  custom. 

Only  practical  Catholics  are  permitted  to  act  as  sponsors.  They 
ought  to  be  people  of  mature  years,  who  understand  the  obligations 
incurred.  The  father  should  always  be  present  at  his  child’s  baptism. 
If  the  mother  can  attend,  she  should  ask  to  be  “  churched  ”  before  leav¬ 
ing  ;  for  in  this  sacramental,  a  special  blessing  is  invoked  on  mother 
and  child. 

The  law  of  the  church  requires  that  a  child  be  baptized  as  soon  as 
possible  after  birth,  and  neglect  in  this  matter  is  sinful. 

Baptismal  records  are  carefully  kept  in  the  parish  house,  and 
copies  may  be  had  on  application  to  the  pastor  by  those  who  have  a 
right  to  them. 

SODALITY  MEETINGS. 

There  is  a  meeting  of  some  church  society  every  Sunday  evening 
at  7  o’clock,  which  all  members  ought  to  attend. 

The  Altar  and  Rosary  Society  meets  on  the  first  Sunday  evening 
of  each  month. 

The  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart  on  the  second  ;  The  Promoters 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  League  on  the  third ;  the  Isabella  Club  on  the 
fourth.  The  Children  of  Mary  meet  at  4  p.  m.  on  the  fourth  Sunday. 

A  mass  is  offered  once  a  month  for  each  sodality. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  El pin,  III. 


243 


MONTHLY  COMMUNION  DAYS. 

On  the  first  Sunday,  the  Altar  and  Rosary  Society,  and  all  the 
married  ladies  of  the  parish. 

On  the  second,  the  married  men. 

On  the  third,  the  young  men  and  all  the  boys  who  have  made  their 
first  communion. 

On  the  fourth,  the  Isabella  Club,  all  other  young  ladies,  the 
Children  of  Mary,  and  all  other  girls  who  have  made  their  first 
communion. 

On  the  first  Friday  of  each  month,  all  the  members  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  League  who  can,  receive  holy  communion. 

WEEK  DAY  MASSES. 

6  A.  M. 

7:30  a.  :\r.  This  mass  is  never  omitted.  High  requiem  masses  at 
this  hour. 

10  a.  m.  Funeral  masses.  Funeral  masses  may  be  sung  earlier, 
but  are  never  sung  later  than  10  a.  m. 

CONFESSIONS. 

Confessions  are  heard  on  Saturdays  and  on  the  eves  of  Holydays, 
from  3  p.  m.  to  6  p.  m.,  and  after  supper,  from  7:30  until  all  are  heard. 
Confessions  are  heard  before  mass  every  morning ;  and  will  be  heard  at 
any  hour  for  good  reasons.  The  church  law  implies  that  children 
begin  to  go  to  confession  as  soon  as  they  are  old  enough  to  know  the 
difference  between  right  and  wrong,  that  is,  about  the  age  of  seven 
years.  It  is  a  mistake  to  let  children  remain  away  from  the  sacrament 
of  penance  until  their  first  communion.  It  is  well  to  let  them  become 
accustomed  to  confession  as  early  as  possible.  Going  to  confession 
early  prevents  them  from  contracting  any  serious  bad  habits.  Besides, 
the  sacrament  of  penance  is  a  source  of  great  grace  which  should  not 
be  denied  them. 

CHURCH  REVENUES. 

One  of  the  precepts  of  the  church  requires  us  to  contribute  accord¬ 
ing  to  our  means  to  the  support  of  church  and  school.  The  members 
of  this  parish  deserve  credit  for  the  ready  and  generous  manner  in 
which  they  observe  it. 

The  regular  revenue  of  the  church  is  derived  from  pew  rent,  seat 
money,  the  box  collection,  and  the  Easter  and  Christmas  offerings. 


244 


Golden  Jubilee  Souvenir 


When  the  erection  of  new  buildings  is  necessary,  or  when  costly 
improvements  are  to  be  made,  special  collections  and  subscriptions  are 
taken  up.  Money  is  also  raised  at  intervals  by  bazaars,  socials  and 
entertainments.  On  or  about  the  15th  of  August  each  year,  a  picnic  is 
held,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  used  to  pay  for  the  papers  and  maga¬ 
zines  given  to  the  Sunday  School  children.  This  picnic  is  especially 
intended  for  the  children,  but  the  whole  parish  usually  turns  out,  and 
the  affair  is  like  a  general  parish  recreation  day. 

FIRST  COMMUNION. 

Children  generally  receive  their  first  holy  communion  about  the 
age  of  twelve.  Attendance  at  Catechism  classes  every  Sunday  from  the 
age  of  seven  insures  sufficient  preparation  for  communion  at  the  age 
of  twelve.  However,  special  classes  three  times  a  week  are  held  in  the 
church  for  two  or  three  months  before  its  reception.  The  Sisters  of  the 
academy  have  always  been  a  most  efficient  aid  in  the  preparation  of  the 
children  for  this  grand  event.  The  training  given  the  children  makes 
the  reception  of  first  communion  each  year  a  most  beautiful  and  edify¬ 
ing  sight. 

MISSIONS. 

Every  year  or  two  a  mission  is  given  in  the  church  by  members  of 
some  religious  order.  It  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  it  is  always  a  source 
of  great  spiritual  good.  There  are  always  a  number  of  conversions. 
Careless  Catholics  are  made  sensible  of  their  mistake,  and  become  reg¬ 
ular  again.  Those  who  have  always  been  faithful  are  made  more  fer¬ 
vent.  In  a  word,  new  spiritual  life  is  infused  into  the  whole  congre¬ 
gation. 


PANORAMIC  VIEW  OF  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS,  1902. 


ADVERTISEMENTS 


W.  J.  MEEHAN 


Hardware 

Stoves 

Furnaces 

Cutlery 

Sporting 

Goods 

Tin ,  Sheet  Iron 
and  Copper  Work 


9  CHICAGO  STREET 

TELEPHONE  1071 


2 


ELGIN  NATIONAL  WATCH  FACTORY 


3 


She  Earth  and  the 


ELGIN 

% eep  time  together 


An  illustrated  history  of  the  watch  sent  free. 

ELGIN  NATIONAL  WATCH  CO.,  Elgin,  III. 


4 


DR.  H.  J.  GAHAGAN 

SUITE  29  AND  31 

the:  sheirwin  building 

CORNER  SPRING  AND  CHICAGO  STREETS 

HOURS 

9  TO  lO  A.  (VI . ,  2  TO  4-  AND  ~T  TO  3:30  (=> .  M  . 
TELEPHONES 

OEEIOE  0.1781;  RESIDENCE,  418  FULTON  ST.,  0.190-4- 


Vo 

Send  for 

{Dug 

,  Catalog 

S/gin 

1 

TDatches 

7/Jatches 

‘Direct 

to 

TjhoSo 

^uzek  <5c  Coo 

€lgin,  Sllinois 


Notary  $ubltr 

Capital  Hppr?snxt?d,  (Eljxrtg  iflxllxotx  fclnllars  15  iFxrat  Class  Companies 

Si.  N.  Sattgrrfirlti 

(grttrral  dlttsurattrr  Agrnry 
ailjT  g-purling  Elgin,  31 U  inn  is 

3\xt,  ICxgljtxxxxxg,  uJorxxatis,  fBarglarg,  $Jlat?  Class,  Arrxiifnt,  Strain  Soxlpra 


of 


€>WTH 


6 


W.  T.  WAIT  WM.  ROSS 

WAIT  &  ROSS 


Successors  to  WAIT  &  BURDICK 


UNDERTAKING 


DEALERS  IN 

FURNITURE,  WINDOW  SHADES 

AND  FIXTURES 

164  Chicago  Street,  ELGIN,  ILL. 

TELEPHONE  92. 


Weber  &  Potterman 

(Htgar  jftauufarturprs 

Mlriilraak  m\i  ISrtail  Sralrrs 

■  r~ 

60  Douglas  A v e n u e 

Elgin,  Ill. 


Geo.  Souster 


iFLOROT 


Cut  Flowers  and  Flower  Designs  a 
Specialty 

All  kinds  of  Foliage  and  Flowering 
Plants 

Church,  Wedding  and  Party  Deco= 
rations 

Palms  for  Decorative  Purposes 

ORDERS  PROMPTLY  FILLED 

TELEPHONE  161 

Cor.  South  State  and  Adams  Sts. 

Elgin,  Illinois 


8 


Dan  1  Gahan,  Jr.  4  Peter  Kramer  7  Thos.  P  Sheehan  io  Fred.  Johnson  13  Geo.  Schlensker  16  Stafford  McOsker  19  Jacob  Kray 

Conrad  M.  Buel  5  John  McNichol  8  Thos.  Meehan  ir  Ben.  Potterman  14  Wm.  L.  Roche  r7  Harry  A.  Dorley  20  Frank  McSorley 

Edw.  Kohn  6  Frank  A.  Howard  9  Chas.  Bodenschatz  12  Wm.  F.  Lynch  15  Harry  Crook  18  Nicholas  P.  Weber  21  John  Roche 


TMEO.  F.  SWAN 


Great  Department  Store 


ELGIN 

ILLINOIS 

DEPARTMENTS 

Dress  Goods,  Silks,  Notions,  Furs 
Embroideries,  Handkerchiefs,  Laces 
Hosiery,  Knit  Underwear,  Jewelry 
Domestics,  Draperies  and  Curtains,  Linens 
White  Goods,  Wash  Dress  Goods,  Linings 
Trimmings  and  Braids,  Corsets,  Muslin  Underwear 
Art  Goods,  Fancy  Goods,  Leather  Goods 
Men’s  Furnishings,  Jackets,  Suits 
Skirts,  Ready-to-wear  Goods,  Millinery 
Toys,  Sporting  Goods,  Trunks  and  Valises 
House  Goods,  Crockery  and  Glassware,  Shoes 
Drugs  and  Toilet  Articles,  Hardware,  Woodenware 
Ribbons,  Books,  Stationery,  Sheet  Music 
Gloves,  Infants’  Wear 


10 


H.  A.  DORLEY 

fltrrrhmtt  bailor 

Room  i,  Nolting  Block  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


JAMES  MEEHAN  CHAS.  G.  SHOEMAKER 


CLOTH  I N G 


AND 

FURNISHINGS 


L>  XT  TZT  T  T  Has  been  in  the  FLORIST 

*  business  in  Elgin  since  1872 

Having  had  a  life  experience  and  an  artistic  taste  in  the  arrange¬ 
ment  of  flowers,  his  business  has  grown  from  small  proportions 
to  its  present  standard,  which  for  reliability  and  fair  dealing 
cannot  be  excelled.  Always  remember  that  B.  O’Neil  is  in  the 
Florist  business  at  479  North  Street.  Telephone  49. 


11 


interstate  iPhone  99 
Chicago  Phone  9// 


Stop  at 


aura. 


77? c Sit l  SSros.j  {Props. 


(Sty//?;  Sllinoi 


trots 


12 


The  First  National  BanK 

OF  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


GEO.  P.  LORD,  President 

D.  F.  BARCLAY,  Vice-President 

HENRY  I.  BOSWORTH,  2d  Vice-President 
ALFRED  DOSWORTH,  Cashier 

A.  C.  HAWKINS,  Assistant  Cashier 


Capital,  $200,000  Surplus  and  Profit,  $90,000 


St.  Charles  National  BanK 

ST.  CHARLES,  ILLINOIS 


Officers  and  Directors 

M.  C.  GETZELMAN,  CHAS.  H.  LUNGREEN,  C.  J.  SCHMIDT, 

Pres’t  Vice-Pres’t  Cashier 

M.  D.  AKIN 


Interest  paid  on  time  deposits 
Safety  deposit  boxes  for  rent  in  separate  vaults 


JOHN  A.  BROWN 


General  banking  business  transacted 


13 


popular  (&i$av  &tovz 


IlhUtp  gtchickler,  T$xop. 


15  ©htcctgc*  street,  ©Igitt,  |iU. 
09  ^03e  street,  .gUtrttra,  giU* 


14 


115  Center  Street 


TELEPHONE  No.  163 

Elgin ,  Illinois 


15 


16 


A. 


CLARK,  M  .  D. 

pjyairian  anil  fhtrgrnn 


Office  Hours:  9  to  10  a.  m.:  1  to  3,  and  7  to  8  p.  m. 


RESIDENCE,  TEL.  66 
OFFICE  CHI.  TEL.  1002 
OFFICE,  N.W.  TEL.  126 


3©  V.  M.  C.  A.  BLOCK 
E  LGIN,  I  LL. 


Fred.  W.  Jencks 

Room  I,  Opera  House  Block 

General  Fire  Insurance  Agency 


Manager  Elgin  Opera  house 
City  Bill  Poster  and  Distributor 


Office  Phone  912 


Residence  Phone  27 


H.  J.  CROOK 

Watchmaker  and  Jeweler 


22  GROVE  AVENUE 


FINE  WATCH  REFAIRING 
FOR  THE  TRADE 
A  SPECIALTY 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


17 


G.  G.  ALDRIDGE 

160  CHICAGO  STREET 

HEADQUARTERS  FOR 

SPORTING  GOODS 
and  MAGAZINES 


SPECIAL  AGENT  FOR 

THE  CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 
THE  CHICAGO  RECORD-HERALD 
THE  CHICAGO  TRIBUNE 
THE  CHICAGO  CHRONICLE 


DELIVERED  TO  ANY  PART  OF  THE  CITY 

-CIGARS™ 


18 


CENTER  BUILDING-ILLINOIS  NORTH  ERN  HOSPITAL  FOR  (THE  INSANE 


Great 


19 


Durability 

and 

Complete 

Comfort 

that’s  the  whole  story 

(Good  looks,  of  course) 


(Pat.  Colt  Skin) 

(Box  Calf)  (Vici  Kid) 


Charles  F.  Becker 

West  Side  Shoe  H  ouse 

Biggest  and  Best  Shoe  Store  in  Kane  County 


20 


21 


WM.  HART 

DEALER  IN 

DRUGS ,  PAINTS ,  OILS ,  WINDOW  GLASS , 

WALL  PAPER 


154  CHICAGO  STREET 


Telephone  No.  11 


ELGIN ,  ILL. 


Phone  1653 

JAMES  FLINN 

GROCER 

IS!.  W.  Cor.  W.  Chicago  and  State  Sts. 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


Wall  Paper,  Paints,  Oils,  Etc. 

Interior  Decorating' 

SION  WRITING 

Chicago  Phone  1553  Elgin,  Illinois 


J-  J.  James 

Groceries,  Fruits  and  Vegetables 


25  North  State  Street 


Phones:  Chicago  ISS4,  Af.  IV.  637 


Elgin f  Illinois 


22 


ACKEMANNS’ 

THE  BIG  STORE 

BIG  IN  EVERYTHING  BUT  PRICES 

ELGIN 

ILLINOIS 

DEPARTMENTS 

Ladies’  Tailored  Suits,  Skirts,  Waists 
and  Coats,  Dress  Goods,  Under 
Muslins,  Hosiery,  Millinery,  Ribbons, 
Toilet  Articles,  Notions,  Embroideries, 
Laces,  Draperies  and  Curtains, 
Linings,  Trimmings  and  Braids, 
Infants’  Wear,  Silks,  Furs,  Handker¬ 
chiefs,  Linens,  Corsets,  Leather  Goods, 
Toys,  Hardware,  Crockery  and  Glass¬ 
ware,  Shoes,  Woodenware,  Books, 
Stationery,  Furniture  and  Undertaking. 


23 


Our  {Pemodeled  Store 

*Druys,  Stationery,  Window  S/ass,  {Prescriptions,  {Paint 
Watt  {Paper >  {Poom  97/ouldinys 


Fr.nrO 

diPy — r~ 


u/jZ/ij//,,' 


|tUlW£R  WWW 


SCHOOL 


0BUC3  STATIOIrtW 


BOOKS 


. . 


KWHUumJ 


'mitHi/Himii  lilt  Mil* *5* 


f-mritYPE  co 


DRUGS 


24 


M.  J.  DALEY  OPEN  ALL  NIGHT  T.  E.  ROCHI 


PHON E  S 


DALEY  c§6  ROCHE 

iflmtrral  Simtnr b 

NO.  lO  SPRING  STREET 

JOENT.  3052 


N.  W.  -4-39 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


HENRY  McBRIDE 


■  ■  DEALER  IN  --  - 

COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  CEMENT,  HAIR 
BUILDING  STONE 
STUCCO,  SEWER 

pipe;,  etc.,  etc. 


OFFICE 

7  S.  State  Street,  West  Side 


Phone.  166 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


JOHN  O'CONNELL 

CIGARS 


25 


BORDEN’S 

EAGLE  BRAND 

CONDENSED  MILK 


THE 

ORIGINAL 

jZ? 


jZ? 

HAS 

NO  EQUAL 

JZ? 


AVOID  SUBSTITUTES 


THE  BORDEN  BRANDS  HAVE  OBTAINED  THE 
HIGHEST  AWARD  WHEREVER  EXHIBITED 


BORDEN’S 

CONDENSED 

MILK  CO. 


ESTABLISHED  185  7  NEW  YORK 


26 


CUT  PRICES 

Elk:  Drug  Store 

Your  Medicines  carefully  compounded  by 

ZABRISKIE  &  AKIN 

Registered  Pharmacists 


Both  Telephones  76 


C.  N.  Miller 


Livery  and. 
Boarding 

Stable 


113  Grove  Avenue 


Elgin,  Ill. 


Eine  Horses 
and  Carriages 
of  all  Rinds 


All  Rigs  delivered 
and  called  for 


Special 
attention 
to  Boarders 


27 


Rinehimer  Bros.  Mfg.  Co. 


Interior 

Finish 


Sash 

Doors  and 
Mouldings 


General 

Mill 

WorK 


Store 

and 

Office 

Fixtures 


Factory  and  Office:  2  to  10  Kimball  Street 
Telephone  197  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


Elgin  Bvtter  Tub  Co. 


Manufacturers 

of 

Butter 

Tubs 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


Cheese 
Boxes  and 
Creamery 
Supplies 


Telephone  169 


28 


ELGIN  NATIONAL  WATCH:.FACTORY~February  22nd,  1904 


29 


TAKE 

THE  ELECTRIC  LINE 

TO 

CHICAGO 

FAST 

FREQUENT 

AND 

CONVENIENT 

SERVICE 

TRAINS  EVERY  THIRTY  MINUTES 
NO  DIRT  NO  DUST  NO  CINDERS 


T5he 

AURORA 

ELGIN  &  CHICAGO 
R  A I LWAY 


30 


Rorig  Sr  Perschmann 

Manufacturers  of 

Ice  Cream  and 
Confectionery 

157  Chicago  Street 

Both.  Phones  Mo.  155  Elgin,  Illinois 


31 


H.  H.  BUNKER 


H.  S.  CHAMBERS 


BUNKER 

. &  — 

CHAMBERS 

UNDERTAKERS  AND  EMBALMERS 


WEST  SIDE  ART  STORE 


Store.  Both  Phones  128. 

Res.  Chicago  Phone  973. 

Res.  Inter-State  Phone  5  1  3. 


_ Elgin,  III. 


U/jc  Elgin  National  BanK 


Will  open  an  account 
with  you  in  its 

SA  VI  NG  S 
DEPARTMENT 

on  the  deposit  of  $1.00 
or  more,  and  pay  3/ 
interest  on  it. 


WE  LEND  YOU  THIS 
METAL  BANK 


ELGIN  NATIONAL  BANK. 


32 


D.  J.  CHAMBERLAIN  &  CO. 

The  Big  Boston  Clothing  Store 


NOLTING  BLOCK,  ELGIN,  ILL 


For  Reliable  Clothing  and  Furnishings,  go  to 
the  BIG  BOSTON.  Remember  we  have  sold 
you  the  RIGHT  KIND  of  Merchandise  for  the 
past  twenty-five  years.  ONE  PRICE  TO  ALL 

D.  J.  CHAMBERLAIN  &  CO. 


33 


34 


.  Hubner  &  Son 

THE  OLD 
RELIABLE 
SHOE  HOUSE 

51  Douglas  Avenue 


Chicago  Phone  gig 

Lethin  Brothers 

Merchant  Tailors 


Fine  Tailoring  a  Specialty 

Boswort/i  s  Block ,  Fountain  Square 

Elgin ,  Illinois 


J.  SOOST 

DE?NER  All  Kinds  of  Choice  Meats 

MANUFACTURER  OF 

Fine  Sausage  of  Every  Description 

Both  Phones  .  .  Residence  Phone 

No.  165  1 59  Douglas  Avenue  Ind  No  .g9 


35 


C.  L.  GARRISON 

LIVERY 


FUNERALS  AND  PARTIES  A  SPECIALTY 


Telephone  42 


163  NORTH  STREET 


ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


36 


THE'  NATIONAL  HOUSE— February  22nd,  1904 


37 


OFFICE  HOURS 


0.00  TO  10.00  A.  M. 
2.00  TO  4.00  P.  M. 
7.00  TO  8.30  P.  M. 
9UNDAYS,  12  TO  1 


PHONES 


{OFFICE,  06 
RESIDENCE,  25 


J.  F.  BELL,  M.  D. 

OFFICE  !  FOUNTAIN  SQUARE 
COR.  CHICAGO  ST.  ANI)  GROVE  AVE. 

RESIDENCE 

15  NORTH  CHANNING  ST.  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


PHONEYS  OFFICE,  CHICAGO  70 


NORTHWESTERN  06 


RESIDENCE,  4654 


DR.  JAMES  H.  DALBEY 

DENTIST 


OVER  HALE’S  DRUG  STORE 
FOUNTAIN  SQUARE 


ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


A.  I  i.  HUBBARD 

MAYOR 

GENERAL  INSURANCE  AGENT 
AND  NOTARY  RUBRIC 


PHONE,  CHICAGO  1154 


Elgin,  III. 


BOTH  PHONES  No.  !)  MONEY  TO  LOAN  ON  REAL  ESTATE 

FRANK  W.  JOSLYN 


LAWYER 

OVER  FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


38 


Mount  St.  Joseph  Academy 

for  Young  Ladies  Dubuque,  Iowa 

Collegiate  Degrees,  Academic  Department  accred¬ 
ited  to  the  University  of  Iowa .  Excellent  facilities 
offered  for  the  education  of  young  women .  Con¬ 
servatory  of  Music  and  Art  on  the  European  plan . 


One  mile  from  Dubuque  City,  four  hours '  ride  from  Elgin, 
direct  railroad  connections  with  Chicago,  Elgin,  Milwaukee,  St, 
Paul,  Minneapolis,  La  Crosse,  Omaha,  Kansas  City,  St,  Louis, 
Commands  'blew  of  Iowa,  Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  Grounds 
cover  iwenty=five  acres,  golf  links,  tennis  courts,  groves  and 
pineries.  Finely  equipped  buildings,  private  rooms.  Three 
general  courses  of  study  in  the  collegiate  and  academic  depart¬ 
ments,  Special  Normal  course  for  students  preparing  to  take 
teachers '  examinations ,  Preparatory  department,  thorough  busi¬ 
ness  course,  private  pupils  received. 

For  Illustrated  Catalogue,  address 

SISTER  SUPERIOR 

Mount  St,  Joseph's  College, 


DUBUQUE,  IOWA 


39 


e  z  r  a  rue: 


AT  TO  R  N  E:  V- AT- I- AW 

REAL.  ESTATE  AND  LOANS 


WILD  FARM  LANDS  CHEAP 
AND  CHOICE  FARMS  NEAR 
ELGIN  FOR  SALE - 


ROOMS  -1  AND  2 
HOME  BANK  BLOCK 
E  L<3  IN,  ILL. 


EOR  CORRECT  PLANS,  RELIABLE  ESTIMATES  AND  E  A  I  T  M  - 
EUL  SUPERVISION  OE  BUILDING  WORK  CALL  ON 

SMITH  HOAG 

ARCHITECT 


OFFICE:  ROOM  7,  NEWS  BLOCK 

RESIDENCE:  3  £3  S.  UNION 


LOW  PRICES 
FRESH  GOODS 

large:  stock 

ECONOMICAL  DRUG  STORE 

E  LG  IN,  ILL. 


N.  W.  TEI _ SSO 

McBRIARTY 


LAW,  LOANS,  INSURANCE:,  REIAL  EZ  ST  AT  El 
ROOM  1  ,  ELGIN  BANK  BLOCK 
ELGIN,  ILL. 


40 


All  Roads  lead  to 


Kimball’s 

The  Best  Place  to  Buy 

F  urniture 


Carpets,  Rugs  and  Matting 

Slobc^Wcrt)  icke 


Elastic  BooK  Cases 
and  Office  Filing  Cabinets 

Full  line  of  Office  Desks 
and  Chairs 

We  can  save  you  money 

14  Grove  Avenue 


Herman  Muetterties 


John  Muetterties 


Vienna 

Bakery  and 

Grocery 

Muetterties  Bros.,  Props. 

209  East  Chicago  Street 
Elgin,  Ill. 


41 


Washington  House 

PAUL  KEMLER,  Proprietor 

100-106  Division  Street,  Cor.  Brook,  ELGIN,  ILL. 

Chicago  Phone,  1083  N.  W.  Phone,  754 


Elgin  Rug  Manufacturing  Co, 


70-72 
River 
Street 
Elgin,  Ill. 


Rugs  of  all  sizes 
made  from  old 
carpets 


Carpet 
Cleaning  a 
Specialty 

Chicago  Tel.  105 


42 


Hawthorne  Hardware 

Company 

Successors  to  Hawthorne  Brothers 

HARDWARE 


Plumbing,  Steam,  Hot  Water 
and  Hot  Air  Heating 

SPORTING  GOODS,  FISHING  TACKLE,  ETC.,  ETC. 

Tin,  Sheet  Iron  and  Job  Work  a  Specialty 

ELGIN,  ILL. 

Our  Motto  is  “THE  BEST  IS  THE  CHEAPEST” 


43 


HEIDEMANN  &  SON 

DEALERS  IN 

FLOUR,  FEED,  HAY,  STRAW  and  OATS 

SEEDS  OF  ALL  KINDS 

CORNER  BROOK  AND  NORTH  STREETS 

ELGIN,  ILL. 

Chicago  phone,  1473  Interstate  phone,  177 


A.  J.  VOLSTORFF 

MANUFACTURER  OF  AND 
DEALER  IN 

CUSTOM  MADE 

HARNESS 

AND 

COLLARS 

BLANKETS 
WHIPS,  Etc. 

REPAIRING  a  specialty 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


J.  G.  ELBERT 

HORSESHOEING,  GENERAL  BLACKSMITHING 

RUBBER  TIRING 

CARRIAGE  AND  WAGON  REPAIRING 

172  BROOK  STREET  opposite  condensing  factory 

ELGIN,  ILL.  TELEPHONE  6806 


20  RIVER  ST., 


44 


A.  C.  MUNTZ 


CHICAGO 

PHONE 

1593 


LIVERY 

- AND - 

BOARDING 

STABLE 


N.  W. 

PHONE 

415 


FIRST-CLASS  RIGS  WITH  OR  WITHOUT  DRIVERS 
FURNISHED  AT  REASONABLE  RATES 


HACKS  for  WEDDINGS ,  FUNERALS ,  Etc. 

BUSSES  A  SPECIALTY 


166  NORTH  STREET 
ELGIN,  ILL. 


45 


4  6 


47 


k® 


m  earner 


JT/anufacturers  of 


Casket 


Tjrii 


rimmings 


0  ((//  J)  J)  0  0 

’ms 


0 


U/ie  jCargest  ^factory  in  t/ie  Iff  or td  devoted  exctusivety 
to  the  ^Manufacture  of  these  Soods 


48 


ELGIN,  ELL. 

RELIABLE 
WATCHES 
DIAMONDS 
JEWELRY 
SILVERWARE 
CLOCKS 
CUT  GLASS 
HAND  PAINTED  CHINA 


YOUR  EYES  ACCURATELY  FITTED 
WITH  GLASSES  BY  OUR  TWO 
EXPERIENCED  OPTICIANS 


Canned  Goods,  Vegetables,  Oysters,  Fish  and  Poultry 


/ 7  Chicago  Street 


Heavy  agd  Shelf  Hardware 
Housekeeping  Goods,  Stoves 


Cheese  Factory  and  Creamery 
Apparatus  and  Supplies 


50 


ELGIN'S 

ONLY  EXCLUSIVE 

Book  and  Stationery 

Store 

AT28  GROVE  AVENUE 

ALWAYS  CARRIES  THE  LATEST 

BOOKS 

FINE  STATIONERY 

BIBLES 

AND  PRA  YER  BOOKS 

Zook  &  Dougherty 

O  WNERS 


51 


O  U  I  s 


U  M 


MANUFACTURER  O  F*  AND 

AND  RETAIL  DEALER  IN 


CATERING  A 
6  R  EC  I  A  l_  TV 


CONFECTIONERY 
AND  ICE  OREIAM 


TEl_«EF»MON  K 


IS  DOUGLAS  AVEZNUEI,  ELGIN,  ILL. 


The  Model  Rug  Factory 

JOHN  W.  METZ,  Proprietor 


Chicago  Phone  2932  207  Du  Page  Street,  ELGIN,  ILL. 


Manufacturers  of 

High  Grade  Rugs  from  Old  or  New  Ingrain,  Brussels, 
Moquette  and  Wilton  Carpets 


52 


JOHN  NEWMAN 


PROPRIETORS 

Springbrook 


TRADE  MARK  REGISTERED. 


JOSEPH  NEWMAN 


OF  FORTY 

Creameries 


Here  is  a  picture  of  one  of  the  beautiful  Dairy  type  of  cowS 
producing  the  milK  used  in  making  SPRINGBROOK  Creamery  Butter 


Yivr-vw tv^^vt'Yyvvrvrry' 


JOHN  NEWMAN  CO. 


ic 

*  rial  iuu  rr  tUJi  * 

<l  anc«A  m  d.wu.1  n  * 

«  awicrn  rr  nai' 

<feas5{i«‘ 

d  Pure  Creamery  Butler. 


as  /£  that  others 
cannot  make  as  good 
Butter  as  the  John 
/Ver/man  Cos.  E/gin 
Premium  5pringbrook 
Butter  ~ 


? 

90 


Because  the  great 
system  of  Dairies 
from  which  the  milk  is  produced  that  goes  to  make  up 
the  Spring brooK  Butter  are  stocKed  with 

THE  MOST  SUPERB  DAIRY  COWS  TO  BE  FOUND  ANYWHERE 
IN  THIS  COUNTRY.  Rich  pastured  nds ,  absolute  cleanliness  of  cows, 
and  scientific  buttermaking  is  what  renders  this  butter  so  desirable  for 
your  table  — your  guests  -  your  HEALTH 

WE  -SELL-  THIS  -  BUTTER 

IN  ONE  POUND  PRINTS 

10,  30  AND  50  IN  A  CASE 
ALSO  ALL  SIZES  IN  TUBS 


If  your  Dealer  does  not  Keep  it,  order  direct 


JOHN  NEWMAN  CO., 


Elgin,  Ill. 


53 


OFFICE  HOURS  '  U  TO  12  A 1  M* 

(  1:30  TO  4:30  F.  M, 

/ 

OPEN  WATCH  FACTORY  PAY  NIGHT  ANI)  SATURDAY 

NIGHTS 

CHICAGO  PHONE  1781 

DR.  R.  C.  SMITH 

DENTIST 

ROOMS  29,30  &  31,  SHERWIX  BLOCK 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


54 


SHERMAN  HOSPITAL 

Owned  and  Conducted  by 

THE  ELGIN  WOMAN’S  CLUB 


The  Hospital  is  open  to  the  sicK  of  all  classes, 
without  regard  to  religion,  nationality,  sex  or  color. 
In  connection  with  the  institution  is  a  training  school 
for  nurses,  which  covers  a  period  of  two  years. 


55 


Edward  H.  Abbott,  M.  D. 

OFFICE 

SUITE  24-25-26  SHERWIN  BUILDING 
CHICAGO  PHONE  139 
RESIDENCE,  454  STELLA  STREET 
CHICAGO  PHONE  140  INTER-STATE  PHONE  136 

(  9  TO  10 

HOURS  j  2  TO  4  ELGIN,  ILL. 

(  7  TO  8 


f  9  TO  11  A.  M. 

OFFICE  HOURS  2  TO  4  P.  M .  SUNDAYS:  BY  APPOINTMENT  ONLY 

(  7  TO  8  P.  M  * 

H.  W.  Dueringer,  M.  D. 

^peutfcijer 

OFFICE:  161  CHICAGO  ST.  RESIDENCE!  126  TENNYSON  CT. 

PHONE  2271  PHONE  2504 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


DR.  LEONARD  S.  TAYLOR 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


OFFICE  HOURS  j  9:30  TO  12:00  A.  M.  PH  O  N  ES  j  °  FFI  CE  •  1 01 2 

(  7:00  TO  8:30  P.M.  I  RESIDENCE,  54 


DR.  S.  P.  BROWN 


OFFICE:  12,  13  AND  14  SHERWIN  BLOCK 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


55 


JOE  H.  JONES 


FIRE,  TORNADO 
PLATE  GLASS 
HEALTH  AND  ACCIDENT 

INSURANCE 

SURETY  BONDS 
NOTARY  PUBLIC 


Room  3,  Home  Bank  Block 


CHICAGO  TELEPHONE  1474 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


58 


MISS  M.  E.  crane 

iFittr  ffltUtnmi 

lev  ou  rage:  stre:e:t 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


I_.  H  .  BAUER 


IN  ADDITION  TO  A  LARGE  AND  WELL 
SELECTED  STOCK  OR  JEWELRY, 
WATCHES,  CLOCKS,  SILVERWARE 
AND  PRECIOUS  STONES,  WE  MAIN- 
TA  IN  A  THOROUGH  L  Y  EQUIPPED 
REPAIR  DEPARTMENT.  WE  EMPLOY 
COMPETENT  WORKMEN  ONLY  AND 
GUARANTEE  ALL.  REI  PA  I  R  S 


102  CHICAGO  STREET 

home:  bank  block 


STORE  PHONE  S5 

ROBERT  SEIDEL 

iFitu'  3Furmtur? 

Utttortakittr; 

14  DOUGLAS  AVENUE 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


59 


PHONES 


1672  CHICAGO 
230  INTER  STATE 


ASSISTANT  STATES  ATTORNEY 
KANE  COUNTY 


CHARLES  L.  ABBOTT 

LAWYER 


29  HOME  BANK  BLOCK,  -  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


WILLIAM 

GROTE 

Real  Estate 

■ - AND - 

INVESTMENTS 
ELCIN,  ILL 


MONEY  RECEIVED 
AND  LOANED  ON 

REAL  ESTATE 


HOUSES  AND  LOTS 
FOR  SALE  IN  ANY 
PART  OF  THE  CITY 


GOOD  FARMS  FOR 
SALE  NEAR  ELGIN 


COOD  BONDS  AND 
STOCKS  BOUGHT 
AND  SOLD - 


PHONES:  CHICAGO  863  N.-WEST.  863  RESIDENCE  2344- 

EDWARD  C.  MOORE 

DENTIST 


HOME  BANK  BLOCK,  -  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


60 


^  10-12  A.  M. 

CONSULTING  HOURS,,  \  3-5  P.  M. 

(  7-8  P.  M. 


SUNDAY 

CONSULTATIONS  BY 
APPOINTMENT 


ARTHUR  B.  STURM,  M.  D. 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


OFFICE:  COR.  DOUGLAS  AVENUE  AND  MILWAUKEE  STREET 

TELEPHONE  S24 

RESIDENCE:  141  NORTH  PORTER '  STREET 
TELEPHONE  1501 


BOTH  TELEPHONES;  220 


REE  brothers 


DEALERS  IN 

COAL,  WOOD,  BRICK, 
TILE,  LIME 

CEMENT,  SLABS,  SEWER  PIPE,  ETC. 


LEHIGH  VALLEY  COAL  A  SPECIALTY 


111  DIVISION  STREET 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


W.  W.  ABELL 


ARCHITECT  AND 
CIVIL  ENCINEER 

SPECIAL  DESICNS  OF 
ALL  CLASSES  OF 
BUILDINGS 

ROOMS  30  AND  31 
HOME  BANK  BLK. 

ELGIN,  ILL 


61 


OFFICE  PHONE  2293  HOUSE  PHONE  071 8 

M.  J.  SPRINGER 

REAL  ESTATE 
EARMS-CITY  PROPERTY 
INSURANCE 

ROOM  6,  P  O.  BLK.  ELGIN,  ILL. 


HAVE  YOU  MONEY  AT  HOME?  YOU  CAN’T 
LOSE  IN  A  PURCHASE  OP  OUR  GOODS 


CHICAGO  TEL.  1081  DRUMMER  SOAP 


OFFICE  AND  FACTORY 

Franklin  and  River  Streets  ELGIN,  ILL. 


(32 


Everybody 

uses  the 

Chicago  Telephone 

It  is  the  ideal  means  of 
communication 

It  reaches  everywhere 

City  and  Country 

Rates  Five  Cents  a  Day 

and  upwards,  according  to 
the  class  of  service  desired 

Chicago  Telephone  Company 

J.  W.  Schramm,  Manager 

Elgin,  III. 


63 


Chicago  Tel.  2832  N.  W.  Tel.  690 

D*  A*  CHAMBERLIN 

GENERAL  INSURANCE 
FIRE,  LIGHTNING 
WIND,  TORNADO 
AND  PLATE  GLASS 


Rooms  1-2-3,  Elgin  Nat’l  Bank  Bldg* 


ELGIN,  ILL* 


St  Joseph's  Hospital 


NEW  BUILDING 

MODERN  EQUIPMENTS 


CONDUCTED  BY 


THE  FRANCISCAN  SISTERS 

OF  THE  SACRED  HEART 


Prospect  Boulevard  and  Jefferson  Street 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 

CHICAGO  TELEPHONE  3393 
N.  W*  TELEPHONE  121 


64 


INDEX  TO  ADVERTISEMENTS 


Academies  and  Schools 

Page 

Mount  St.  Joseph’s  College  and  Academy _  38 

Architects 

Abell,  W.  W .  60 

Hoag,  Smith .  39 

Banks 

Elgin  National  Bank .  3 

First  National  Bank .  12 

St.  Charles  National  Bank,  St.  Charles,  Ill _  12 

Book.  Stationery  and  News  Dealers 

Aldridge,  C.  C .  17 

Zook  &  Dougherty .  50 

Blacksmithing  and  Horse  Shoeing 

Elbert,  J.  G .  43 

Condensed  MilkCo.'s  and  Creamery  Prop’s 

Borden’s  Condensed  Milk  Co .  25 

Newman,  John,  Co _ ? .  52 

Clothing  and  Furnishing  Stores 

Chamberlain,  D.  J.  &  Co .  32 

Meehan  &  Shoemaker .  10 

Plant  &  Co .  20 

Confectioners 

Blum,  Louis . 51 

Rorig  &  Perschmann .  30 

Coal,  Wood.  Builders'  Supply.  Etc.,  Dealers 

Lee  Bros .  60 

McBride,  H . ■ .  24 

Cigar  and  Tobacco  Dealers 

O’Connell,  John .  24 

Schickler,  Phil .  13 

Weber  &  Pattermann .  7 

Department  Stores 

Ackemann  Bros .  22 

Swan,  T.  F .  9 

Dentists 

Dalbey,  James  H.,  D.D.S .  37 

Moore,  Edward  C.,  D.D.S .  59 

Smith,  R.  C.,  D.D.S .  53 

Druggists 

Economical  Drug  Store .  39 

Elk  Drug  Store .  26 

Hall,  Edwin .  23 

Hart,  William .  21 

Knodler,  L.  S. .  .  33 

Furniture  Dealers 

Kimball’s  Furniture  Store .  46 

Seidel,  Robert .  58 

Wait  &  Ross .  6 

Florists 

O’Neil,  B .  10 

Souster,  George .  7 

Flour  and  Feed  Stores 

Heidemann  &  Son .  43 

Grocers 

Flinn,  James .  21 

James,  J.  J.  .  21 

Vienna  Bakery  &  Grocery .  40 

Hardware  Dealers 

Barclay,  D.  F .  49 

Hawthorn  Hardware  Co .  42 

Meehan,  W.  J .  1 

Hotels  and  Restaurants 

Burns’  Hotel .  45 

Kelley  House .  11 

Washington  House . - .  41 

Hospitals 

Sherman  Hospital .  54 

St.  Joseph’s  Hospital .  63 

Insurance  Agents 

Chamberlin,  D.  A .  63 

Dangerfield,  E.  N .  4 

Hubbard,  A.  H .  37 

Jencks,  F.  W .  16 

Jones,  Joe  H .  57 


Jewelers  and  Watch  Dealers 


Bauer,  L.  H . ; . *53 

C  rook,  H.  J . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  16 

J uzek,  Thos.  J.  Co . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  4 

Rovelslad  Bros . . .  48 

Lawyers 

Abbott,  Charles  L .  59 

Joslyn,  Frank  W . ....  37 

McBriarty,  C.  T . ..  39 

Rue,  Ezra . " . . 39 

Livery  and  Boardinq  Stables 

Branford,  E .  44 

Garrison,  C.  L . 35 

Miller,  C.  N . 26 

Muntz,  A.  C . ’  44 

Manufacturers 

Elgin  Butter  Tub  Co .  27 

Elgin  National  Watch  Co . . ....  2  arid  3 

Elgin  Rug  Manfg.  Co .  41 

Elgin  Silver  Plate  Co . '  47 

Elgin  Soap  Works . [ .  ’  ’  61 

Rineheimer  Bros.  Mnfg.  Co . ”  27 

The  Model  Rug  Factory .  54 

Weber  &  Pattermann .  7 

Meat  Markets 

Ansel,  Albert  F .  49 

Soost,  J .  34 

Merchant  Tailors 

Dorley,  H.  A .  40 

Lethin  Bros .  34 

Millinery 

Crane,  Miss  M.  E .  58 

Painting,  Decorating,  Etc. 

Pendergast,  A.  L .  21 

Physicians  and  Surqeons 

Abbott,  Edward  H.,  M.  D .  55 

Bell,  J.  F.,  M.  D .  37 

Brown,  S.  P.,  M.  D .  65 

Clark,  A.  L.,  M.  D .  46 

Dueringer,  H.  W.,  M.  D .  65 

Gahagan,  H.  J.,  M.  D .  4 

Marckley,  R.  W.,  M.  D .  33 

Sturm,  Arthur  B.,  M.  D .  60 

Taylor,  Leonard  S.,  M.  D .  55 

Railway  and  Transportation  Co. 

Aurora,  Elgin,  and  Chicago  Railway  Co .  29 

Restaurants 

Riverside  Restaurant .  15 

Town  Block  Restaurant .  5 

Real  Estate  Dealers 

Grote,  William .  59 

Springer,  M.  J .  61 

Shoe  Stores 

Becker,  Charles  F .  19 

Hubner  &  Son . A .  34 

Saddlery  and  Harness  Dealers 

Volstorff,  A.  J .  43 

Telephone  Lines 

Chicago  Telephone  Co .  62 

Undertakers 

Ackemann  Bros .  22 

Blinker  &  Chambers .  31 

Seidel,  Robert . 58 

Wait  &  Ross .  6 

Daley  &  Roche .  24 

Illustrations 

Hickory  Club .  8 

Illinois  Northern  Hospital  for  Insane .  18 

Elgin  National  Watch  Factory .  28 

National  House .  36 

Chicago  Street,  Elgin,  July  4,  1865 .  46 

Chicago  Street,  Elgin,  July  5,  1865 .  56 


* 


SPECIAL  SOUVENIR 
BAZAR  NUMBER 


> 

( 

/  1 

\ 

t  iiary’s 
Arai)  Pitt n  Irrorii 


- 


- 


. 


' 


ittarti’s  OIlnirrlT 

fclyitt,  JIUmaia 


T3dI.  2.  (irtuhrr,  19UT  Nn.  11 


Masses 

SUNDAY 

8:15  a.  m.  —  Low  Mass  and  Sermon. 
9:15  a.  m. — Low  Mass  and  Sermon. 
10:15  a.  m .  —  High  M  ass  and  Sermon. 
3:30  p.  m.  —  Rosary  and  Benediction. 
4:00  p.  m.  Sodality  Meetings. 

WEEK  DAYS 
7:30  a.  m. — Daily  Mass. 

FIRST  FRIDAY 

Confessions  and  Holy  Hour  and 
Benediction  the  day  before. 

Friday  morning  masses  at  6:00 
and  7:30. 

Rev.  John  McCann,  Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath, 

Pastors 


An  Exquisite  Display  of 

STRIKING  NEW  FALL 
READY-TO-WEAR 

—  GARMENTS  — 

SUITS 

CLOAKS 

SKIRTS 

AND  WAISTS 

DRESS  FABRICS  of  WOOL  or  SILK 
Dress  Accessories  in  Extensive  Variety 

The  Bargain  Basement  is  filled  to 
overflowing  with  bargains  in  ready-to- 
wear  as  well  as  home  necessities  in 
the  dry  goods  line.  75c.  buys  more 
in  our  Bargain  Basement  than  $1.00 
elsewhere.  ::  ::  ::  ::  :: 


I.  Cohien  Company"' 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


OCTOBER  CALENDAR 


1.  Tuesday, 

2.  Wednesday, 

3.  Thursday. 

4.  Friday. 

5.  Saturday, 


St.  Remigius. 

Holy  Guardian  Angels. 

St.  Gerard. 

St.  Francis  of  Assisi. 

St.  Placidusand  Comp. .MM. 


In  Memorian. 

August  26.  Requiem  High  Mass  for 
Michael  Roche. 

August  30.  Funeral  Requiem  High 
Mass  for  Katie  McGarrity. 

September  2.  Solemen  Requiem  High 
Mass  for  Matthias  Drennan. 

September  2.  Funeral  Mass  of  The 
Angels  for  Master  Joseph  Ryan. 

September  6.  Funeral  Requiem  High 
Mass  for  Mrs.  Eva  Roberts. 

September  10.  Funeral  Requiem 
High  Mass  for  Mrs.  Anne  Spalding. 

September  30.‘  Funeral  Requiem 
High  Mass  for  John  Kirkpatrick. 

October  2.  Funeral  Requiem  High 
Mass  of  Mrs.  Catherine  Hade. 

October  3.  Funeral  Requiem  High 
Mass  for  Mrs.  Kate  Kelley. 

October  8.  Requiem  High  Mass  for 
Catherine  Younger. 


Marriages. 

July  30.  Arthur  Edward  Schneider, 
son  of  Oswald  Schneider  and  Martha 
Ludwig,  and  Mary  Teresa  O’Malley, 
daughter  of  Patrick  and  Mary  Mullerkey. 
Witnesses:  Henry  L.  Krumrn  and 

Ereda  Beier. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

August  31.  J.  Stuart  McIntosh,  son 
of  Thomas  W.  McIntosh  and  Jessie 
Vorce,  and  Marie  Murphy,  daughter  of 
J.  J.  Murphy  and  Elizabeth  Breen. 
Witnesses:  Willis  Sparks  and  Rosa 

Sparks.  Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  14.  Harry  S.  Hampton, 
son  of  Samuel  Hampton  and  Sarah 


Brooks,  and  Mary  Scherschel,  daughter 
Peter  Scherschel  and  Mary  Irnelers. 
Witnesses:  Peter  and  Della  Scherschel. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  23.  Daniel  A.  Murray, 
son  of  Michael  Murray  and  Mary  Mc¬ 
Coy,  and  Elsie  Buschloge,  daughter  of 
Peter  Buschloge  and  Mary  Peterson. 
Witness:  Maude  E.  Keating. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  25.  James  Richardson, 
son  of  James  Richardson  and  Mary 
Pone,  and  Laura  Faith,  daughter  of 
John  Faith  and  Mary  Moran.  Witnesses: 
J.  F.'  Golden  and  Susie  Faith. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

Baptisms. 

August  25.  Helen  Unice,  daughter  of 
Harry  C.  Wahl  and  Leone  Chesbrough, 
born  August  5,  1907.  Sponsors:  James 
Casey  and  Mabel  Barry. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

August  27.  Naomi  Mary,  daughter  of 
Patrick  A.  Murray  and  Mary  Fallon, 
born  June  2,  1907.  Sponsors:  Walter 
and  Sadie  Murray. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  15.  Harry  Edward,  son 
of  Barney  Busch  and  Rose  Kaiser,  born 
August  30,  1907.  Sponsors:  Harry 

Choinard  and  Ella  Morrissey. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  15.  Elmer  John,  son  of 
Barney  Busch  and  Rose  Kaiser,  born 
August  30,  1907.  Sponsors:  John  Mor¬ 
rissey  and  Georgia  Wilbur. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 


POTTER  BROS,  DRY  GOODS  COMPANY 

- = - ELGIN,  ILLINOIS  - 

THE  CHARMING  SUITS 

Is  the  Subject  of  this  Ad 

If  You  Want  NOVELTIES  To  Choose  From 

NO  TWO  ALIKE 

This  is  your  store.  If  you  want  the  real  tony  kind  of  suits 

copfrom  Pacquins  S300  Paris  Gowns 

This  is  the  store  to  trade  in.  All  the  swell  novelties 
of  the  season  are  here  in  abundance 

See  Our  Big  Display  Before  Making  Any  Purchases 


F.  L.  Killip’s 
Restaurant 

156  Chicago  Street 

ELGIN,  ILL. 

Chicago  Phones  3032  and  2982 


We  Never  Sleep. 


Becker’s 


Four  Dollar  Shoes 
for  Women  are  with¬ 
out  a  doubt  theSwel- 
lest  thing  ever  put 
before  the  fair  sex 


BECKER’S 

WEST  SIOE  SHOE  STORE 


6.  Sunday.  -  -  - 

St.  Bruno.  C.  F. 

7.  Monday.  -  -  - 

Holy  Rosary. 

8.  Tuesday,  -  -  - 

St.  Bridget  of  Sweden. 

9.  Wednesday.  -  -  - 

St.  Denis  and  Comp.,  MM. 

1 0.  Thursday.  -  -  - 

St.  Francis  Borgia. 

1 1 .  Friday.  -  -  - 

St.  Gummar. 

1 2.  Saturday.  -  -  - 

St.  Wilfrid. 

%>\.  iflarij’B  Arairnuf  iRrrnrit 


EDITORIAL  STAFF 

Editor-in-Chief,  ANTHONY  BURKE 

Assistant  Editor _ Hazel  Jones 

Local  Editor _ Agnes  Dorley 

Exchange  Editor _  _ Rose  Buel 

Secretary _ Jeannette  Spillard 

Treasurer _ Cecelia  Pendergast 

Business  Manager  Harry  McArdle 

Application  made  for  admission  as  second-class  mail  matter 


Sept.,  15.  Mary  Catherine,  daughter 
of  0.  E.  McMahan  and  Marv  McKenzie, 
born  August  8,  1907.  Sponsors:  James 
McKenzie  and  Catherine  McMahan. 

Bev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  15.  Duncan,  son  of  John 
R.  Power  and  Charlotte  Duncan,  born 
August  16,  1907.  Sponsors:  Win.  H. 
and  Alice  Mary  Lester. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

September  22.  Marian  Nellie,  daugh¬ 
ter  of  Edward  Larkin  and  Nellie  Sutton, 
born  September  12,  1907.  Sponsors: 
M.  W.  and  Margaret  Larkin. 

Rev.  John  J.  McCann. 

September  22.  Mary  Irene,  daughter 
of  Cornelius  Gallagher  and  Margaret 
Evensen,  born  April  19,  1903.  Sponsors: 
Eugene  and  Johanna  Ferron. 

Rev.  D.  E.  McGrath. 

Parish  Notes. 

Our  most  distinguished  guest  this 
week  was  the  Rev.  Doctor  John  Webster 
Melody,  Professor  of  Moral  theology 
at  the  Catholic  University  of  Washing¬ 
ton,  D.  C.  Dr.  Melody  is  one  of  the 
leading  intellectual  lights  of  this  gener¬ 
ation.  Ilis  position  implies  that.  His 


department  in  the  Catholic  University  is 
a  post-graduate  one.  None  but  priests 
who  have  made  the  regular  studies 
enter,  their  purpose  usually  being  to 
take  degrees. 

The  genial,  handsome,  eloquent  and 
learned  doctor  is  a  very  rare  combina¬ 
tion.  You  can  find  learned  men,  elo¬ 
quent  men,  genial  and  handsome  men; 
but  to  find  them  all  in  one  is  very  rare. 
We  find  the  fusion  of  these  qualities  in 
Doctor  Melody.  To  the  doctor  himself, 
all  this  seems  like  a  flattering  joke. 
But  we  are  in  dead  earnest.  We  have 
known  him  from  his  boyhood,  have  fol¬ 
lowed  his  career,  and  know  whereof 
we  speak.  He  is  a  man  of  whom  the 
Catholic  University  may  well  feel  proud. 

October  is  the  "‘Month  of  the  Rosary.” 
Kindly  say  the  rosary  every  day  for  the 
success  of  the  bazar. 

Buy  a  home  of  your  own.  People 
who  are  paying  for  a  home,  learn  econ¬ 
omy.  Economy  enables  them  to  meet 
all  obligations.  They  have  money  for 
everything,  while  people  who  are  not 
buying  a  home  often  grow  careless. 
They  never  learn  economy,  and  so  never 
seem  to  have  money  for  anything.  Mr. 
Joseph  H.  Jones,  Home  Bank  Block, 
can  help  you  in  securing  a  home. 

The  Bazar — but  how  about  your 
coupon  book?  Have  you  paid  for  it 
yet?  Do  it  today.  If  you  cannot  do  it 
at  once,  pay  it  in  installments,  a  dollar 
or  two  at  a  time. 

The  ladies  in  charge  of  the  Bazar 
booths  have  worked  most  faithfully, 
and  are  certain  to  make  the  Bazar  a 
success.  Pay  for  your  coupon  book, 
and  help  swell  their  treasury  fund.  The 


We  carry  a  full  line  of ... 


Enameled  Kitchen  Ware 

...and  Cooking  Utensils 

Our  Knives,  Scissors,  Meat  and  Bread  Knives  are  selected 
from  the  best  the  factory  puts  out. 

We  carry  in  stock,  several  different  kinds  of 

WASHING  MACHINES 

And  invite  you  to  look  Qt  them.  You  are  under  no  obliga¬ 
tion  to  buy  one,  because  u)e  are  always  glad  to  have  you  examine 
our  stock  and  compare  prices. 

HAWKINS  BROS. 

163  Chicago  Street  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


Visit  Our 

New  Store 

At  176  Chicago  Street 

And  look  over  the 
nicest  stock  of 

Watches,  Diamonds 
Jewelry,  Silver 
Cut  Glass,  Etc. 

IN  ELGIN 

We  are  always  pleased 
to  show  goods  whether 
you  purchase  or  not 

Bauer  Jewelry  Co. 

Sherwin  Building 


“As  Pretty  as 

a  Picture” 

That  is  what  you  will  say  when 
you  have  seen  the  new  patterns  in 

Ulall  Papers 

shown  by 

Elgin  Painting  & 
Decorating  Co. 

Expert  work  in  Paper  Hanging,  also 

‘ PAINTS ,  OILS,  GLASS 

216  Chicago  Street 
ELGIN,  ILL. 

TELEPHONE  384 

Special  sale  of  10c.  papers 
this  month 


13.  Sunday.  -  - 

14.  Monday,  -  - 

15.  Tuesday.  -  - 

1 6.  Wednesday,  -  - 

17.  Thursday.  -  - 

18.  Friday,  -  - 

19.  Saturday,  -  - 


St.  Edward.  K.  C. 
Maternity  of  the  B.  V.  M. 
St.  Teresa. 

St.  Gall. 

St.  Hedwidge. 

St.  Luke,  Evangelist. 

St.  Peter  of  Alcantara. 


secretary  of  each  booth  keeps  a  record 
of  those  who  pay.  She  knows  just  what 
you  have  done  thus  far.  Next  month 
we  will  print  a  list  of  those  who  have 
helped  make  the  Bazar  a  success.  Are 
you  going  to  be  on  that  roll  of  honor? 

Young  Usher:  “Is  ‘Mr.  So-and-so’ 
stingy?  I  remarked  that  he  did  not 
drop  anything  in  the  box.” 

Wise  Usher:  “Ah  no.  He  was  treat¬ 
ing  the  boys  last  night;  and  the  Lord  is 
getting  the  benefit  of  an  economical  re¬ 
solve  on  the  morning  after.” 

Young  Usher:  “Well,  Miss  ‘What’s- 
her-name’  wasn’t  treating  the  boys  last 
night;  and  she,  too,  let  me  pass  unob¬ 
served.” 

Wise  Usher:  “Don’t  you  see,  she  has 
a  new  hat,  and  must  stint  the  Lord 
until  it  is  paid  for?” 

If  you  do  your  share ,  the  Bazar  will 
be  a  grand  success. 

You  are  urged  by  Pope  Pius  X  to  go 
to  Holy  Communion  every  day,  or  at 
least  frequently.  Freedom  from  mortal 
sin  is  all  that  is  necessary  as  a  disposi¬ 
tion.  Pardon  for  venial  offenders  is  ob¬ 
tained  by  reciting  the  act  of  contrition, 
the  Our  Father,  or  any  other  prayer,  or 
by  the  pious  use  of  any  sacramental. 

If  the  children  pray  and  work  for  our 
Bazar,  it  must  succeed.  Just  watch 
the  children. 

Talk  about  a  school!  Look  at  our 
increased  attendance.  Over  seventy  new 
pupils.  Another  new  teacher,  a  second 
one  coming. 

The  ushers  say  that  there  wrere  two 
men  and  three  women  who  forgot  to 
put  an  offering  in  the  box  last  Sunday. 


Wonder  who  they  were?  It’s  strange 
that  so  many  people  would  be  forgetful 
on  the  same  day. 

Offerings. 

BAPTISMS,  MARRIAGES,  MASSES,  FUNER¬ 
ALS,  SICK  CALLS. 

People  often  ask  the  priest  what  is  the 
usual  offering  on  the  occasion  of  receiv¬ 
ing  certain  extra  favors.  We  answer 
as  follows:  People  need  not  hesitate  to 
make  an  offering  to  their  priest.  When 
he  becomes  a  priest,  he  agrees  to  live 
on  the  voluntary  offerings  of  his  people. 
The  salary  allowed  him  is  just  sufficient 
to  pay  his  table  expenses,  and  meet 
necessary  demands.  It  is  understood 
that  the  people  will  supply  him  with 
sufficient  money  by  their  extra  offerings 
on  the  occasions  of  baptisms,  marriages, 
masses,  and  funerals.  That  is  under¬ 
stood.  So  the  people  need  not  hesitate 
to  offer  the  priest  money,  and  he  feels 
no  hesitation  in  accepting  it.  He  is 
not  a  business  man  with  a  fixed  salary. 
He  depends  on  his  people.  He  accepts 
that  situation  of  affairs  when  he  becomes 
a  priest.  But  people  often  ask  to  know 
what  is  the  customary  offering  on  dif¬ 
ferent  occasions.  Hence  the  following: 

Low  Mass  $1. 

High  Requiem  Mass  $15. 

Solemn  Requiem  Mass  $25. 

Funeral  service  $10. 

Solemn  Funeral  Mass  $25. 

Baptisms:  $2  for  father,  $2  for  god¬ 
father;  $1  for  god-mother. 

Baptism  in  house,  $5. 

Marriage,  $10. 

Dispensation,  $5  or  $10. 

Nuptial  High  Mass  and  Marriage,  $25. 

Sick-calls:  Nothing  expected,  but 


LIGHT  WITH  GAS 

We  will  pipe  your  house  For 
$2.50  per  room 

This  includes  Fixtures 

Western  United  Gas  &  Electric  Company 


Ackemann’s 

Watch  for  Our  Announcements 

-  NEXT  ISSUE  -• 

ELGIN  -  -  ■  ILLINOIS 


The  best  place  to  buy  any 
kind  of  Furniture  is  at... 

A.  LEATH  &  CO. 

66-68-72  GROVE  AVENUE 

...LOW  CREDIT  TERMS 


20.  Sunday, 

21.  Monday. 

22.  Tuesday. 

23.  Wednesday. 

24.  Thursday. 

25.  Friday. 

26.  Saturday, 


St.  John  of  Kenty. 

St.  Ursula  and  Comp. 

St.  Mary  of  Salome. 

Most  Holy  Redeemer. 

St.  Rapael  the  Archangel. 
SS.  Crispin  and  Crispinian. 
St.  Evaristus. 


people  usually  offer  a  dollar  now  and 
then  for  a  man  for  the  sick  person. 
When  a  carriage  is  necessary,  the  peo¬ 
ple  calling  the  priest  are  expected  to 
pay  for  it. 

Many  Years  of  Service. 


SISTERS  MARY  CONSTANCE  AND  MARY 
SYNCLETICA  CELEBRATE  25 
YEARS’  WORK. 


Many  Gifts  Presented  to  Them  at  St.  Mary’s 
Academy. 

Twenty-five  years  of  service  as  Sis¬ 
ters  of  the  Catholic  Church  was  cele¬ 
brated  Sunday  by  two  Sisters,  Sister 
Mary  Constance  and  Sister  Mary  Syn- 
cletica,  at  St.  Mary’s  Academy.  Beau¬ 
tiful  gifts  were  given  them,  and  with  the 
presence  of  several  Sisters  from  out  of 
town  the  event  was  made  a  memorable 
one. 

When  Sister  Mary  Constance,  now 
Sister  Superior  of  St.  Mary’s  Academy, 
took  her  vows  twenty-five  years  ago  at 
the  Mount  St.  Joseph  convent,  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  she  was  a  member  of  the  class  of 
which  Sister  Mary  Syncletica  was  a 
student.  Sister  Superior  has  been  in 
Elgin  for  five  years  and  the  second  year 
of  Sister  Mary  Syncletica’s  residence  in 
Elgin  marks  the  third  time  that  the 
Sisters  have  taught  at  the  same  institu¬ 
tion. 

Had  it  not  been  that  Father  J.  J. 
McCann  was  summoned  on  a  sick  call, 
high  mass  would  have  been  celebrated 
at  the  Academy  Sunday  morning  in 
honor  of  the  event.  Solemn  benediction 
was  observed  in  the  afternoon.  Dr. 
Melody,  a  professor  at  the  Catholic 


university  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  made 
a  brief  address,  congratulating  the  Sis¬ 
ters.  The  Misses  Anna  Louise  and 
Elizabeth  Souster  furnished  vocal  and 
instrumental  music. 

At  1:30  o’clock  a  banquet  was  served, 
at  which  all  of  the  visitors,  including 
Dr.  Melody  and  father  J.  J.  McCann, 
were  entertained.  The  dining  room 
was  prettily  decorated  with  blue  and 
white,  colors  of  the  school,  and  the  table 
decorations  consisted  of  white  roses. 

The  out  of  town  guests  were:  Sister 
Mary  Rose  and  Sister  Mary  Gerald,  of 
Presentation  Convent;  Sister  Mary  Adel- 
bert  and  Sister  Mary  Burissima,  of  An¬ 
nunciation  School;  Sister  Mary  Albina 
and  Sister  Mary  Seraphica,  of  Holy 
Cross  school,  Chicago;  Sister  Mary 
Resignata,  of  Mount  St.  Joseph  college, 
Dubuque  Iowa,  and  Miss  Margaret 
Leddv,  of  Chicago. — Elgin  News. 

Words. 

“Kind  hearts  are  the  gardens, 

Kind  thoughts  are  the  roots, 

Kind  words  are  the  blossoms, 

Kind  deed  are  the  fruits.” 

Is  it  not  pleasing  to  hold  conversation 
with  the  great  and  good  of  by-gone 
years  through  the  medium  of  their  writ¬ 
ten  words?  It  is  impossible  to  be  under 
the  influence  of  a  master  mind  without 
feeling  its  power  for  good  or  evil,  and 
having  its  strongest  utterances  written 
in  indelible  characters  on  our  life’s  page. 
Hence,  the  necessity  of  pure  and  elevat¬ 
ing  books  and  companions. 

Are  not  the  works  of  some  renowned 
authors,  though  hostile  to  faith  or  mor¬ 
als,  pleasing  to  many?  Can  we  not,  after 


Kimball  Pianos  Kimball  Pipe  Organs 

Kimball  Self-Playing  Instruments 

Did  you  know  there  are  more  Kimball  instruments  today  in  the  Cath¬ 
olic  institutions  of  America  than  of  any  other  make?  It  is  true,  as  can  be 
shown  by  statistics. 

There  are  seventy-six  of  the  largest  Roman  Catholic  Churches  in 
America  using  the  Kimball  Tubular  Pneumatic  Pipe  Organ,  ranging  in  prices 
from  $1500.00  to  $25000.00.  A  full  list  of  these  Catholic  institutions  will  be 
mailed  to  you  for  reference,  if  desired. 

The  list  of  Catholic  churches  and  institutions  using  the  KIMBALL 
PIANO  is  too  long  to  enumerate.  They  are  used  in  Aurora — they  are  used 
in  Elgin.  Are  you  going  to  invest  in  a  Piano?  Ask  any  of  these  institutions 
about  the  Kimball,  AND  TAKE  THEIR  ADVICE. 

When  you  buy  a  Piano,  you  should  use  great  care,  not  only  to  pur¬ 
chase  a  line  instrument,  but  also  to  buy  it  from  a  concern  which  stands 
behind  its  product  at  all  times.  Every  instrument  is  backed  by  a  warranty 
that,  means  absolute  protection.  We  will  not  have  a  dissatisfied  patron. 
Come  and  see  us,  or  write  for  catalogue,  prices,  terms,  etc.  We  will  treat 
you  right.  We  will  mail  you  absolutely  free,  postage  prepaid,  a  fine  Song 
Book,  if  you  will  send  us  vour  address;  and  mention  the  fact  you  saw  this 
advertisement  in  the  “ST.  MARY’S  ACADEMY  RECORD.” 


Elgin  Branch 
No.  166  Chicago  Street 

JAS.  W.  MILL, 

Local  Representative 


W.  W.  KIMBALL  CO. 

HENRY  A.  STONE, 

Manager,  108  Main  St., 

Aurora,  Illinois 


Prepare... 

The  Best  is  None  too  Good 

For  Our  Customers  so  You 

For  the  coming 
cold  snap.  Our 

Will  Always  Find 

Blankets  and 

THE  BEST  and 

Comforters 

TENDEREST  MEATS  and 

Are  quoted  at 
prices  that  you 

Choice  Eresh  Vegetables 

can’t  afford  to 

at 

miss.  ::  :: 

ALBERT  F.  ANSEL’S 

KARSTEN’S 

STAR  MARKET 

12  N.  State  Street 

175  Chicago  Street,  Elgin,  Illinois 

27.  Sunday, 

28.  Monday, 

29.  Tuesday. 

30.  Wednesday. 

31.  Thursday. 


St.  Frumentius. 

SS.  Simon  and  Jude. 

St.  Narcissus. 

St.  Alphonsus  Rodriguez. 
Vigil.  St.  Quinctinus. 


passing  through  dark  and  dangerous 
passages,  find  bright  gems  of  thought 
in  such  writings?  Yes,  but  they  are 
like  the  beautiful  pearls  hidden  in  the 
dark,  blue  waves  of  the  grand  old  ocean, 
the  finding  of  which  imperils  the  life 
of  the  diver.  Why  not  select  authors  of 
high  repute,  whose  words  are  bright 
gems  of  speech,  and  whose  thoughts 
are  decked  with  priceless  beauties,  which 
being  emblems  of  faith  and  purity,  tend 
to  elevate?  How  was  Roger  Sherman, 
who  became  a  member  of  the  President’s 
Cabinent,  promoted  from  the  lowly 
bench  of  a  shoemaker  to  a  seat  in  Con¬ 
gress,  where  his  voice  was  heard  among 
the  wisest  and  best  of  our  Grand  Re¬ 
public?  Was  it  not  his  power  of  lan¬ 
guage  and  thought  that  worked  this  trans¬ 
formation?  We  had  a  forcible  example 
of  the  Protency  of  Words  during  the 
Chicago  Convention  a  few  years  ago, 
where  a  man,  previously  almost  un¬ 
known  to  the  political  world,  was,  by 
the  power  of  one  speech,  unanimously 
nominated  candidate  for  the  presidency. 

A  renowned  orator  has  said, “A  man’s 
word  is  himself,  his  reason,  his  con¬ 
science,  his  faith,  his  love,  his  aspira¬ 
tion.”  If  it  is  false  and  vile,  he  is  so.  it 
is  the  expression  of  his  principles,  as 
it  has  come  to  consciousness  within  him. 
It  is  the  man  himself,  his  sign  and  sym¬ 
bol,  the  form  and  mould  and  mirror  of 
his  soul.  Let  us  therefore  weigh  them 
well,  these  little  messengers  that  are  so 
powerful,  and  try  them  in  the  balance  of 
kindness,  truth  and  charity,  before  send¬ 
ing  them  forth  on  their  errands.  They 
may  leave  us  lightly  decked  with  smiles 
and  return  heavy  laden  with  self- 
reproach,  and  so  changed  that  they  ap¬ 
pear  like  counterfeits,  when  compared 
with  the  genuine  utterances  that  es¬ 
caped  our  lips  a  few  days  previous. 


Let  us  drop  them  carefully,  as  if  they 
were  to  be  engraven  on  alabaster  tablets, 
that  when  the  last  page  sees  the  light, 
free  from  all  wavering  erasures,  and 
wrought  too  perfectly  for  any  after¬ 
thought,  then  these  wisdom-woven  les¬ 
sons,  Faith  shall  read,  and  Love  trans¬ 
late;  for  words  of  kindness,  sympathy 
and  truth  shall  live  long  after  the  lips 
that  uttered  them  have  moulded  in  the 
silent  grave. 

Many  persons,  on  account  of  their  po¬ 
sition  in  life,  have  not  the  means  of  ob¬ 
taining  much  knowledge,  but  the  earnest 
student  has  an  immense  advantage  over¬ 
all  other  classes  of  the  community,  for 
he  can  unite  the  two  most  perfect  and 
desirable  methods  of  gaining  informa¬ 
tion,  viz-- the  accurate  and  profound 
thoughts  and  deeds  of  our  masters  which 
can  be  found  in  books  and  the  general 
information  concerning  man  and  things, 
which  conversation  of  the  learned  will 
bestow.  A  light  that  is  hardly  seen 
when  standing  alone,  will,  when  placed 
among  others,  not  only  give  but  receive 
light. 

The  Amphetheatre  of  Athens  echoed 
the  cheers  for  a  trio  of  renowned  dram¬ 
atists,  but  all  Greece  throbbed  beneath 
the  magic  influence  of  Demosthenes’ 
eloquent  words. 

Edith  Long,  ’07. 

How  far  the  little  candle  shed  its 
beam !  So  shines  a  good  deed  in  a 
naughty  world. 


Electrical,  Facial  and  Scalp  Treatment 

Mrs.  M.  McMahon 

Suite  37...Sherwin  Block. ..ELGIN,  ILL. 

Shampooing,  Hair  Goods, Toilet  Preparations,  Hair  Dyeing 
Hours — 9  a.  m.  to  6  p.  m.  and  7  p.  m.  to  9  p.  m. 
Evenings  by  Appointment 


METROPOLITAN  BUSINESS  COLLEGE 


Fountain  Square,  Elgin,  Ill. 

“MOST  UP-TO-DATE”  “MOST  THOROUGH” 

Stenographic  and  Commercial  Courses  day 
and  evening  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  Prospectus  free 

STUDENTS  RECEIVED  ANY  TIME 

PHONES:  INTER-STATE  333,  CHICAGO  333. 


Forty  Hours  Devotion. 

The  Forty  Hours  Devotion  is  a  devo¬ 
tion  which  is  celebrated  from  time  to 
time  in  almost  all  churches.  It  con¬ 
tinues  for  forty  hours,  during  which 
time  the  Blessed  Sacrament  is  ex¬ 
posed  in  memory  of  the  forty  hours, 
during  which  our  Lord’s  body  lay  in 
the  holy  sepulchre.  It  first  began  in 
Milan,  in  the  year  1534,  and  fourteen 
years  later  it  was  introduced  into  Pome 
by  St.  Philip  Neri,  and  sanctioned  by 
Pope  Clement  VIII,  who  November  25, 
1592,  issued  a  solemn  Bull  respecting  it. 

This  devotion  originated  with  a  Caper- 
chin  friar  of  Milan,  named  Father  Joseph, 
who,  when  the  city  of  Milan  was  suffer¬ 
ing  from  a  terrible  war,  and  people 
were  almost  in  despair,  told  them  if 
they  would  give  themselves  to  fervent 
prayer  for  forty ’  hours,  their  city  and 
country  would  be  free  from  the  devas¬ 
tation  of  the  enemies.  A  Forty  Hours 
prayer  was  then  commenced  in  the 
Cathedral,  while  the  other  churches 
took  it  up  in  order.  The  people  attend¬ 
ed  these  prayers,  and  received  the 
sacraments  of  penance  and  holy  com¬ 
munion  with  great  fervor  and  devotion. 
Their  prayers  were  soon  answered,  for 
in  a  short  time,  Francis,  King  of  France, 
and  the  Emperor  Charles  V  were  seen  at 
the  gate  of  Milan  arranging  a  treaty  of 
peace. 

The  Forty  Hours  Devotion  in  St. 
Mary’s  Church,  Elgin,  began  September 
8th,  the  Nativity  of  our  Blessed  Mother. 
Mass  was  celebrated  by  Rev.  D.  E. 
McGrath,  after  which  the  Litany  of  the 


Saints  was  chanted  by  Fathers  McCann 
and  McGrath.  A  procession  formed  in 
the  sanctuary  proceeded  down  the  side 
and  up  the  middle  aisles.  This  pro¬ 
cession  was  very  imposing;  small  girls 
dressed  in  white  carried  beautiful  fresh 
cut-flowers  and  strewed  them  in  the 
aisles  in  honor  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament, 
which  was  borne  solemnly  by  the  cele¬ 
brant.  The  acolytes,  preceded  by  the 
cross  bearer,  were  robed  in  white  and 
marched  slowly  and  reverently  through 
the  sacred  edifice. 

At  the  close  of  this  procession,  Dr. 
Melody  ascended  the  pulpit  and  deliv¬ 
ered  a  most  instructive  and  eloquent 
sermon.  The  music  was  especially  har¬ 
monious  and  elevating.  The  excellent 
vocalists  were  assisted  by  the  accom¬ 
plished  organist,  Miss  Mary  Tobin. 

Tuesday  morning  the  exercises  closed 
with  High  Mass,  procession  and  Bene¬ 
diction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  The 
ceremonies  of  our  holy  church  are  very 
impressive,  when  carried  out  solemnly. 
The  prayers,  chanting,  and  singing  in 
the  sanctuary;  the  choir,  and  devout 
worshipers,  bowed  in  silent  adoration, 
make  a  deep  impression  on  an  atten¬ 
tive  observer. 

Member  of  Class  ’09. 

What  is  put  into  the  first  of  life  is  put 
into  the  whole  of  life.  Start  right. 

Courtesy  is  one  of  the  cheapest  exer¬ 
cises  of  virtue.  It  never  costs  anything 
to  be  civil. 


BAZAR  OFFICIALS  ^ 

EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 

Dr.  H.  T.  Gahagan,  President. 

Mr.  J.  H.  Jones,  Treas. 

Mr.  Thomas  J.  Cleary,  Sec’y. 

Mr.  M.  J.  Walsh  Mrs.  Milton  Earin  Mr.  Wm.  Dever  Mrs.  John  F.  Long 

Mr.  D.  C.  Hunter  Mrs.  M.  K.  Dillon  Mr.  John  Larkin  Miss  Nellie  Dwyer 

Mr.  F.  E.  Shopen  Mrs.  M.  J.  Walsh  Miss  Adele  Caton 


Walter  Forkins 
John  Murphy 
Peter  Callaghan 
John  Graham 
Christ  Leitner 
Peter  Rholes 
James  Jeffers 
James  Hennessey 
Maurice  Ferry 

C.  E.  Spill ard 
John  Heslin 
F.  H.  Hoelscher 
E.  P.  Mann 


RECEPTION  COMMITTEE 
Mr.  M.  J.  Kielev,  Chairman. 


Peter  Gierus 
Matt  Meredith 
Frank  Connor 
John  Hennessey 
W.  F.  Lynch 
Chas.  Rose 
M.  S.  Heslin 
T.  J.  Jackman 
Eaton  Feldou 
L.  H.  Rottistein 
David  Kane 

D.  G.  Ring 
Wm.  Casey 


Henry  Meyers 
James  Spillard 

E.  P.  Fish 
Geo.  E.  Floelscher 
A.  J.  McCartney 
Lawrence  McNerry 
J.  A.  Rohles 
Wm.  Anselman, 
Leo  Mann 
Walter  Farley 
Wm.  Lester 
James  O’Beirne 
Robert  Ackerman 


Eugene  Dwyer 
Frank  Spillard 
T.  A.  Frisby 
James  Kane 
Leo  Murray 
Richard  Phelan 
E.  A.  Schevers 
A.  F.  Burke 
Ed.  Wolaver 
Chas.  Gracer 
Ed.  T.  Roche 
Herman  Wilson 
Frank  E.  Shopen 


TICKET  OFFICE. 

Mr.  M.  J.  Walsh,  Mr.  Herman  P. Wilson. 


DOOR  KEEPERS. 


Oct.  16:  Hon.  J.  C.  Aubertin, 
Oct.  17:  John  Ryan, 

Oct.  18:  Jacob  Kray, 

Oct.  19:  D.  S.  Graham, 

Oct.  21:  T.  P.  Sheahan, 

Oct.  22:  M.  C.  Tobin, 

Oct.  23:  John  J.  Wills, 

Oct.  24:  J.  F.  Logan, 

Oct.  25:  E.  J.  Meehan, 

Oct.  26:  M.  A.  Spillard, 


Eaton  R.  Fedou,  Eugene  Christie. 
T.  F.  Jackman,  David  Kane. 

John  Doberty,  Eugene  Dennison. 
Edward  Kenealy,  James  Kenealy. 

J.  F.  Knowles,  P.  J.  Smith. 

W.  F.  Naughton,  James  Mulroney. 
James  Rohles,  George  Pilcher. 
Wm.  Ludford,  John  McArdle. 
Patrick  Cox,  John  Hennessey. 
Frank  O’Flaherty,  D.  C.  Hunter. 


floor  managers:  M.  J.  Kilev,  Chairman. 


Oct.  16.  Peter  Callaghan,  E.  P.  Fish, 
Oct.  17.  Christ  Leitner,  Peter  Rohles, 
Oct.  18.  James  Jeffers,  J.  A.  Rohles, 
Oct.  19.  Maurice  Ferry,  Frank  Connor, 
Oct.  21.  James  Kane,  W.  F.  Lynch, 
Oct.  22.  Richard  Phelan,  M.  J.  Heslin, 
Oct.  23.  A.  F.  Burke,  Walter  Farley, 
Oct.  24.  John  Heslin,  David  Kane, 
Oct.  25.  F.  J.  Hoelscher,  D.  G.  Ring, 
Oct.  26.  E.  P.  Mann,  Wm.  Casey, 


John  Graham,  G.  E.  Hoelscher. 

A.  J.  McCartnny,  Lawrence  McNerney. 
James  Hennessey,  Wm.  Anselman. 

T.  A.  Frisby,  John  Hennessey. 

Leo  Murray,  Charles  Rose. 

E.  A.  Schevers,  T.  J.  Jackman. 

Eaton  R.  Fedou,  Charles  Gracer. 

Wm.  Lester,  E.  J.  Roche. 

James  O’Beime,  Herman  Wilson. 
Robert  Ackerman,  F.  1].  Shopen. 


Oct.  16. 
Oct.  17. 
Oct.  18. 
Oct.  19. 
Oct.  21. 
Oct.  22. 
Oct.  23. 
Oct,  24. 
Oct.  25. 
Oct.  26. 


CLOAK  ROOM. 


John  E.  Gorman, 
Eugene  Burke, 
Michael  McCormick 
John  T.  Gubbins, 
James  O’Rourke, 

W.  T.  Mullan, 

Fid  ward  Dietz, 
James  Hennessey, 
E.  P.  Ferron, 

James  F.  Flynn, 


Henry  McNamara. 

P.  H.  Conway. 
Leroy  E.  Ryan. 
Edward  Roach. 
Thomas  F.  Meighen. 
J.  A.  McCartney. 
Andrew  Phelan. 
Matthew  Meredith. 
Mr.  Larkin. 

Patrick  Ferron. 


WHEEL  OF  FORTUNE. 


Oct.  16. 
Oct.  17. 
Oct.  18. 
Oct.  19. 
Oct.  21. 
Oct.  22. 
Oct.  23. 
Oct.  24. 
Oct.  25. 
Oct.  26. 


Eugene  Burke 
M.  McCormick 
Andrew  Phelan 
E.  P.  Ferron 
James  Hennessey 
T.  F.  Meighen 


T.  F.  Meighen,  E.  P.  Ferron,  Ed.  Roach. 

James  Hennessey,  M.  Keiley,  W.  T.  Mullan. 

James  A.  McCartney,  John  Gorman,  Ed.  Diez. 
Patrick  Ferron,  James  Flynn,  John  Power. 

W.  B.  Roach,  P.  H.  Conway,  Mr.  Larkin. 

Leroy  Ryan,  H.  McNamara,  Andrew  Phelan. 

Matt  Meredith,  Thomas  Roche,  Dr.  H.  J.  Gahagan. 

M.  McCormick,  M.  Keiley,  James  Flynn. 

James  Hennessey,  E.  P.  Ferron,  John  Gorman. 

Eugene  Burke,  J.  W.  McCartney,  James  O’Rourke. 


DECORATION  COMMITTEE. 


James  O’Rourke 
P.  H.  Conway 
James  F.  Flynn 
Dr.  H.  J.  Gahagan 
M.  Keiley 
E.  Roach 


P.  Ferron 
H.  McNamara 
J.  B.  Roach 
W.  T.  Mullan 
John  J.  Gubbins 
Leroy  Ryan 


W.  B.  Roach 
John  Gorman 
J.  A.  McCartney 
John  R.  Power 
M.  Meredith 
M.  Larkin 


Booth  No.  1,  “Blarney  Castle” 


C  c 


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All  people  living  on  the  west  side  of 
Elgin,  south  of  the  middle  of  South 
Street,  also  people  living  in  South  Elgin, 
Wayne,  Bartlett,  Itaska  and  in  the 
country  south-west  of  Elgin,  will  help 
this  booth.  The  committee  in  charge 
are: 

Mrs.  M.  Earin,  President. 

Mrs.  Frank  Spillard,  Vice  Pres. 

Mrs.  Otto  Biegle, 

Mrs.  Wm.  Foley, 

Mrs.  John  Maguire, 

Elizabeth  Tennant,  Treas. 

Elizabeth  Souster,  Secy. 

Mrs.  Wm.  Ahrens 
Mrs.  Wm.  Bellows 
Mrs.  Otta  Biegle 
Mrs.  Edward  Schevers 
Mrs.  F.  C.  Fedou 
Mrs.  D.  Hennessey 
Mrs.  Geo.  Hoelscher 
Mrs.  Paul  Kemler 
Mrs.  James  Kennealy 
Mrs.  Geo.  Knott 
Mrs.  Michael  Lydon 
Mrs.  B.  Tennant 
Mrs.  John  Maguire 
Mrs.  Thomas  Maguire 
Mrs.  John  F.  Roche 
Mrs.  Michael  Murray 
Mrs.  Louis  Provost 
Mrs.  Fred  Rispin 


Mrs.  George  Saunders 

Mrs.  George  Souster 

Mrs.  Wm.  West 

Mrs.  Joseph  King 

Mrs.  Louis  Dudenhofer 

Mrs.  J.  C.  Quinn 

Mrs.  M.  C.  Reinert 

Mrs.  John  Reinert 

Mrs.  Thomas  McGarry 

Mrs.  Ernest  Kelley 

Mrs.  Henry  Leiseberg 

Mrs.  Will  Marvine 

Mrs.  J.  L.  Kelley,  Bartlett 

Mrs.  James  Shields,  Bartlett 

Miss  May  me  Delehanty,  Wayne 

Miss  Agnes  Duffy 

Miss  Julia  Duffy 

Miss  Kate  Connor 

Miss  Maem  Connor 

Miss  Catherine  Ferran 

Miss  Lizzie  Jordon 

Miss  Nellie  Jordon 

Miss  Maem  Kane 

Miss  Josephine  Lynch 

Miss  Tessie  Lydon 

Miss  Mamie  Provost 

Miss  Mary  Tennant 

Miss  Margaret  Wallace 

Miss  Florida  Coats 

Miss  Grace  Tennant 

Miss  Winnie  McNerney 

Miss  Agnes  Murray 

Miss  Mary  Murphy 


Blarney  Castle, 'Booth  No.'l 


Officials  of  Booth  No.  1 


Booth  No.  2,  “Dutch  Windmill” 


All  people  living  on  the  west  side  of 
the  river  in  Elgin,  north  of  the  middle 
of  South  Street,  and  also  people  living 
in  Dundee  and  Carpentersville,  will  help 
this  booth.  The  women  in  charge  are: 

Mrs.  M.  K.  Dillon,  President. 

Mrs.  George  Smith,  Vice  Pres. 

Mrs.  M.  A.  Spillard,  “  “ 

Mrs.  Sam’l  Sillier, 

Miss  Mary  Duhy, 

Mrs.  Kichard  Dwyer,  Treas. 

Miss  Kathleen  O’Neil,  Secy. 

Mrs.  W.  C.  Thiers 
Mrs.  Martha  Flaherty 
Mrs.  John  Geddes 
Mrs.  Willis  Smoyer 
Mrs.  Otto  Gronberg 
Mrs.  Philip  Whalen 
Mrs.  Matt.  O’Neil 
Mrs.  John  O’Connell 
Mrs.  P.  N.  Paulsen 
Mrs.  Patrick  Costello 
Mrs.  James  Keegan 
Mrs.  I.  C.  Burney 


Mrs.  Wm.  Kofmehl 
Mrs.  Alice  Egan 
Mrs.  Charles  Slager 
Mrs.  Emma  Scullion 
Mrs.  John  Wilson 
Mrs.  Edward  Wolaver 
Mrs.  Edward  Nolan 
Mrs.  M.  Spillard 
Mrs.  Mary  Ponsonby 
Mrs.  John  Logan 
Mrs.  Eugene  Logan 
Mrs.  T.  E.  Morrissey 
Mrs.  Flora  Russell 
Miss  Margaret  Kelley 
Miss  Julia  Jacobs 
Miss  Ella  McCormick 
Miss  Alice  Kenney 
Miss  Frances  Elberinck 
Miss  Anna  Gadke 
Miss  Ada  Dillon 
Miss  Mary  Duhy 
Miss  Edna  Wolaver 
Miss  Eva  Kramer 
Miss  Bessie  Flemming 
Miss  Eva  McCarty 
Miss  Mary  Whipple 


Bazar  Notes. 

Bazar  in  Elgin  Coliseum  Wednesday, 
October  16,  to  Saturday,  October  26. 
Season  tickets,  $1.  Single  admission 
25  cts.  McKenzie’s  Orchestra.  Dance 
free,  from  8  to  11  p.  m. 

Mrs  Wm.  Foley  has  taken  the  place 
of  her  sister,  Mrs.  John  Reinert,  on  the 
list  of  Vice  Presidents  of  Booth  No.  1. 

It  is  most  gratifying  to  see  the  way  in 
which  the  different  Bazar  groups  are 
working.  The  ladies  in  charge  of  each 
booth  are  determined  to  make  their 
booth  the  winner  of  the  prize  for  the 
greatest  success.  In  deciding  the  con¬ 
test  between  the  booths,  the  number  of 
coupon  books  sent  out  will  be  considered, 
because  they  represent  the  number  of 
people  in  the  district  able  to  pay  $5. 

Talk  about  workers,  we  have  the  best 
in  Elgin.  There  is  no  other  society  in 
the  city  that  can  at  all  compare  with 


our  people  in  organization,  industry, 
generosity  and  unity.  St.  Mary’s  is  the 
banner  congregation  in  Kane  County. 
Have  you  not  remarked  that  when  clubs 
and  societies  hold  bazars  and  entertain¬ 
ments  they  always  look  to  people  of  St. 
Mary’s  parish  for  the  most  efficient 
workers?  It’s  a  fact. 

Hot  coffee  and  lunch  will  be  served 
every  night. 

The  “A.  A.”  society  of  our  handsom¬ 
est  young  men  is  the  latest  to  enter  the 
arena.  They  have  volunteered  to  run  a 
second  wheel  of  fortune  for  us.  They 
will  give  prizes  of  boxes  of  the  best 
candy. 

Put  a  dime  in  “The  Old  Oaken 
Bucket,”  and  see  what  you  will  get. 

Buy  a  souvenir  of  the  Dutch  Wind¬ 
mill,  a  piece  of  delf  in  the  shape  of  a 
mill — made  in  Holland. 


Officials  of  Booth  No.  2 


Officials  of  Booth  No.  2 


Booth  No.  3,  “Grant’s  Log  Cabin” 


This  booth  is  for  people  living  east 

of 

Mrs.  Edward  Hageman 

the  river  and  north  of  the  middle 

of 

Mrs.  James  McMillan 

Chicago  Street.  The  ladies  in  charge 

Mrs.  Thos.  Murray 

are: 

Mrs.  Mary  Lindsay 

Mrs.  M.  J.  Walsh,  President. 

Mrs.  Harry  Parker,  Vice  Pres. 

Mrs.  John  Duffy  “  “ 

Mrs.  H.  McDonough,  “  “ 

Mrs.  Edward  Duffler,  “  “ 

Mrs.  Peter  Hines,  “  “ 

VI rs.  John  Gubbins,  “  “ 

Mrs.  J.  C.  Johnson,  Secy. 

Miss  B.  Brahan,  Treas. 

Mrs.  Wm.  Lester 

Mrs.  H.  Loonier 

Mrs.  Joseph  Fordrescher 
Mrs.  N.  S.  Jenks 

Mrs.  Joseph  Jones 

Mrs.  Ed.  Ryan 

Mrs.  Joseph  Cassidy 

Mrs.  Joseph  McKenzie 
Mrs.  Julius  Wirkus 

Mrs.  C.  J.  Lenz 

Mrs.  Clara  Jencks 

Mrs.  Edward  Hart 

Mrs.  James  McGarrigle 

Mrs.  John  Osborne 

Mrs.  Maria  Peri ol at 

Mrs.  Kate  Smith 

Mrs.  Theo.  Spillard 

Mrs.  John  Knowles 

Mrs.  John  Gubbins 

Mrs.  H.  McDonough 

Mrs.  Edward  Duppler 

Mrs.  Harry  Wahl 

Mrs.  Catherine  Herlihy 

Mrs.  Thomas  E.  Roche 

Mrs.  James  O’Beirne 

Miss  Lulu  McLaughlin 

Mrs.  Wm.  Myers 

Miss  Catherine  Drennan 

Mrs.  Sarah  Burns 

Miss  Mary  Moffit 

Mrs.  S.  Holland 

Miss  Mary  Pickham 

Mrs.  Mary  Mann 

Miss  Catherine  Apple 

Mrs.  H.  Dorley 

Miss  Laura  Quemheim 

Mrs.  John  Powers,  Sr. 

Miss  Mary  McGarry 

Mrs.  John  Powers,  Jr. 

Miss  Mary  Ward 

Mrs.  Frank  O’ Flaherty 

Miss  Mary  Walker 

Mrs.  Ed.  Abendroth 

Miss  Sarah  O’Flaherty 

Mrs.  Mary  Anderson 

Miss  Ella  Younger 

Mrs.  F.  Doerscher 

Miss  Kate  Hall 

Mrs.  Joseph  Smith 

Miss  Eva  Krakowski 

Mrs.  Peter  Hines 

Miss  Barbara  Kemmat 

The  “A.  A.”  Club  will  have  charge 
of  the  candy  wheel.  They  will  also 
assist  the  Hibernians,  of  the  Decoration 
Committee. 

There  will  be  many  side  attractions: 
the  “Lemon  Tree,’’  the  “Indian  Wig¬ 
wam,”  “The  Flower  Booth,”  “The 
Cane  Rack,”  “The  Baby  Rack,”  &c. 

It’s  a  compliment  to  be  arrested  by 
our  pretty  policemen.  They  arrest  only 
prominent  men — men  of  standing  in 
professional  or  business  or  social  life. 
They  don’t  notice  cranks. 


Arrest  and  tine  means  that  you  are  a 
good  fellow. 

Our  pretty  policemen  will  give  a  fancy 
drill  every  night  at  the  opening  of  the 
bazar. 

Buy  a  lemon. 

The  officers  of  “The  Children  of  Mary” 
are  the  following: 

President,  Adele  Catton. 

Vice  President,  Mildred  McKenzie. 

Treasurer,  Isabel  Gubbins. 

Secretary,  Jeannette  Spillard. 


a  j  ,11- 1 — ‘-'I 

1  •* 

lip 

Grant’s  Log  Cabin,  Booth  No.  3 


Officials  of  Booth  No.  3 


Booth  No.  4,  “Japanese  House” 


This  booth  for  people  living  east  of 
the  river  and  south  of  the  middle  of 
Chicago  Street.  The  ladies  in  charge 
are: 

Mrs.  John  Long,  President. 

M  rs.  Mary  Hunter,  Vice  Pres. 

Mrs.  Harry  Daveler,  “  “ 

Mrs.  Wm.  Breen,  “  “ 

Mrs.  John  Stickling,  “ 

Mrs.  Matt.  Meredith,  Secy. 

Miss  J  osie  Folev,  Treas. 

Mrs.  Fliza  Garris 
Mrs.  Emil  Kothe 
Mrs.  J.  F.  Brown 
Mrs.  Frank  Clawson 
Mrs.  Andrew  Filer 
Mrs.  H.  J.  Gahagan 
Mrs.  Albert  Curtis 
Mrs.  A  gnes  Bouck 
Mrs.  Warren  Stowe 
Mrs.  Wm.  Naughton 
Mrs.  Andrew  Pease 
Mrs.  Matt.  O’Brien 
Mrs.  G.  W.  Egger 
Mrs.  M.  Cosgrove 
Mrs.  A.  L.  Scott 
Mrs.  Wm.  Dever 
Mrs.  Frank  Ireland 
Mrs.  Katherine  Ryan 
Mrs.  Harry  Daveler 
Mrs.  John  Rice 
Mrs.  Dan’l  Burke 
Mrs.  Hannah  Sullivan 
Mrs.  A.  E.  Laughlin 


Mrs.  David  Lacey 
Mrs.  Eugenie  Cook 
Mrs.  John  Bowen 
Mrs.  E.  Burzell 
Mrs.  John  Doherty 
Mrs.  Fred  Mum  me 
Mrs.  J.  B.  Roach 
M  rs.  Wm.  Breen 
Mrs.  H.  Simons 
Miss  Mary  Foley 
Miss  Margaret  Flvnn 
Miss  Nellie  Kelly 
Miss  Anna  Head 
Miss  Ada  Kay 
Miss  Nellie  Noonan 
M  iss  Mary  Keenan 
Miss  Ella  McOsker 
M  iss  Devirian  Schram 
Miss  Nellie  McGarrity 
Miss  Rose  Kasser 
Miss  Julia  Getch 
Miss  Mary  Mullen 
Miss  Louise  Denean 
Miss  Mary  Bellew 
Miss  Louise  Jordan 
Miss  Nellie  Wallace 
Miss  Nellie  Reirdon 
Miss  Kate  Rierdon 
Miss  May  Pilcher 
Miss  Maria  Grady 
Miss  Mary  Touhy 
Miss  Mable  Ward 
Miss  Maggie  Sutton 
Miss  Maggie  Avlward 
Miss  Mary  Rogers 


Catholic  Churches  are  universally 
popular.  They  are  always  well  con¬ 
ducted.  Innocent  amusement  in  plenty. 
That  is  all  people  look  for. 

Meet  me  at  the  Coliseum  any  night 
from  October  16  to  26.  I’ll  always  be 
there.  PIverybody  who  counts  will  be 
there. 

Be  sure  to  pay  for  your  coupon  book 
before  the  close  of  the  Bazar.  Mr. 
Jones  and  Mr.  Cleary  will  be  there  every 
night  to  take  in  coupon  or  ticket  money. 

You  are  the  best  one  to  advertise  the 
Bazar.  Put  in  a  good  word  today. 


The  Secretary  of  your  division  booth 
has  the  number  of  your  coupon  book 
and  of  your  season  ticket.  She  has  a 
record  of  all  who  pay  for  them. 

Will  this  Bazar  be  a  success?  Yes, 
on  one  condition — that  you  do  what  you 
can,  much  or  little.  It  depends  on  you. 

The  Isabella  Club  will  manage  the 
“Russian  Ice  Palace,”  where  refresh¬ 
ments,  candy  and  cigars  will  be  sold. 
These  young  ladies  are  always  in  evi¬ 
dence  when  we  need  help.  They  make 
no  promises;  but  they  do  things.  And 
they  are  always  doing  things.  Banzai, 
Isabella  Club! 


Japanese  Pavillion,  Booth  No.  4 


Officials  of  Booth^No.  4 


Be  sure  to  kiss  the  Blarney  Stone. 

Each  of  the  four  booths  will  give  a 
grand  supper  during  the  Bazaar. 

Doors  open  at  seven.  Music  closes  at 
eleven. 

A  good  word  costs  you  nothing,  yet 
it  may  mean  dollars  to  the  Bazar.  Say 
it  now. 

Visit  the  “Russian  Ice  Palace,”  for 
refreshments,  candy,  cream  and  cigars. 

The  officers  of  “The  A.  A.  Club”  are: 

President,  John  Larkin. 

Secretary,  Edward  Dietz. 

Treasurer,  Joseph  Drennan. 

“The  A.  A.  Club”  will  assist  the  Ancient 
Order  of  Hibernians  in  decorating  the 
booths.  They  will  also  serve  as  secret 
police.  Their  special  work  will  be  to 
run  the  “Candy  Wheel  of  Fortune.” 
Good  for  “The  A.  A.  Club.” 

The  Foresters  will  look  after  the  door; 
the  Knights  of  Columbus  will  be  floor 
managers;  the  Hibernians  will  look  after 
the  decorations,  the  cloak-room,  and 
the  wheel  of  fortune.  Our  men  don’t 
say  much,  but  they  work.  We  can 
always  count  on  them  when  and  where 
we  need  them. 

We  give  in  this  issue  a  complete  list 
of  Bazar  officials.  We  might  pick  out 
as  many  more  good  workers.  The 
others  will  get  a  chance  to  show  their 
metal  next  Bazar. 

There  will  be  no  chance  books. 

If  possible,  the  November  number  of 
The  Academy  Record  will  contain  a  full 
list  of  those  who  have  paid  for  coupon 
books  and  season  tickets.  Get  on  that 
list. 

You!  Bazar !  Success! 

Habits  formed  early  in  life  are  like 
letters  cut  into  the  beech  tree;  they  grow 
and  widen  with  age. 


Children  of  Mary. 

OFFICERS. 

Miss  Adele  Catton,  President. 

Miss  Mildred  McKenzie,  Vice  Pres. 
Miss  Isabel  Gubbins,  Treasurer. 

Miss  Jeannette  Spillard,  Secretary. 

ALTAR  AND  ROSARY  SOCIETY  OFFICIALS. 

Miss  Mary  Duhv,  President. 

Mrs.  James  Brown,  1st,  Vice  Pres. 
Mrs.  James  McGarrigle,  2d,  Vice  Pres. 
Mrs.  T.  C.  Barney  3d,  Vice  Pres. 

Mrs.  Emil  Kothe,  Secretary  andTreas. 

SACRISTANS. 

Mrs.  Emil  Kothe 

Miss  Elizabeth  Keenan 
Miss  Mary  Keenan. 

* 

Baby  Show. 

James  Spillard,  President. 

Michael  McCormick,  Vice  President. 
Andrew  Phelan.  Vice  President. 
Matthew  Spalding,  Vice  President. 
Charles  Spillard,  Vice  President. 
Walter  Healy,  Vice  President. 

Patrick  Naughton,  Vice  President. 
Frank  Connor,  Vice  President. 
Thomas  Frisby,  Vice  President. 
William  Mullen,  Secretary 
John  Heslin,  Treasurer. 

* 

The  Arch-Confraternity 

“  It  is  therefore  a  holv  and  wholesome  thought 
to  prav  for  the  Head,  that  they  may  be  loosed 
from  Sin.”  II  Machab.  12,  46. 

For  the  Relief  of  the  Souls  in  Purgatory 
ST.  MARY’S  CHURCH,  Elgin,  Ill. 

I  HEREBY  CERTIFY 

That  M _ 

was  received  by  me  into  said  Arch- 

Confraternity  _ 

A.  D.  190 

Rtv.  John  J.  McCann,  Director. 
INDULGENCES. 

By  virtue  of  Briefs  and  Rescripts  of 
the  Sovereign  Pontiffs  Gregory  XVI. 
and  Pius  IX.,  members  of  “The  Arch- 
Confraternity  for  the  Relief  of  Souls  in 
Purgatory,”  after  Confession  and  Holy 
Communion,  may  gain 


^IWu. 


.  ~jA^V^/Vt/lAv»^t-^A^ 


k. 


Indian  Wigwam 


Officials  of  “Children  of  Mary” 


A  PLENARY  INDULGENCE, 

1.  On  the  day  of  Admisson, 

2.  Christmas  Day, 

3.  Epiphany, 

4.  Corpus  Christi, 

5.  Feast  of  the  Immaculate  Concep¬ 
tion,  B.  V.  M., 


6. 

Feast  of  the 

Nativity,  B.  V.  M. 

7. 

a  a 

Annunciation,  B.V.M. 

8. 

a  a 

Purification, 

9. 

l  l  l  l 

Assumption, 

10. 

L  L  i  L 

St.  Michael’s, 

11. 

Li  L  L 

App.  of  St.  Michael, 

12. 

L  L  L  L 

St.  Joseph, 

13. 

Patronage 

of  St.  Joseph, 

14. 

Feast  of  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul, 

15. 

All  Souls  Day, 

16. 

Once  a  month,  on  a  day  at  option, 

17. 

Thursday 

in  Holy  Week, 

18. 

Easter  Day, 

19. 

Ascencion  Day, 

20. 

Whenever 

a  member  recieves 

Holy  Communion  and  prays  for  the  in¬ 
tentions  of  the  Holy  Father, 

21.  Every  Monday,  by  hearing  Mass 
in  suffrage  for  the  Souls  in  Purgatory, 

22.  At  the  hour  of  death,  if,  Confes¬ 
sion  and  Communion  being  impossible, 
the  Holy  Name  of  Jesus  be  invoked. 

PRAYER. 

Mercifully  look  down  upon  this  sacri¬ 
fice  which  we  offer  to  Thee  for  the  Souls 
of  Thy  Servants,  O  Lord,  we  beseech 
Thee,  that  to  those,  to  whom  Thou  didst 
grant  the  merit  of  Christian  faith,  Thou 
mayest  also  grant  its  reward. 

(Extract  from  the  requiem  mass.) 

1.  A  requiem  high  mass  will  be  sung 
every  month  for  a  year  for  the  repose 
of  the  souls  whom  you  intend  to  assist. 

2.  A  requiem  high  mass  will  be  sung 
for  yourself  within  a  month  after  your 
death,  if  at  the  time  you  are  a  member 
of  the  Arch-Confraternity. 

3.  These  masses  will  be  announced 
the  preceding  Sunday. 

4.  Give  your  name  and  address  to 
the  pastor  at  any  time.  Your  year  of 
membership  begins  on  the  day  you  join 
the  Arch-Confraternity. 

5.  If  you  like,  hand  the  pastor  a  list 
of  the  dead  whom  you  wish  to  have 


benefited.  This  list  will  be  retained  one 
year,  and  placed  on  the  alter  when  the 
monthly  requiem  high  mass  is  sung. 

6.  Have  the  pastor  sign  this  certificate; 
keep  it  in  your  prayer  book;  when  your 
year  expires,  renew  your  membership 
by  paying  your  dues  for  the  next  year. 

7.  Yearly  dues,  one  dollar,  to  be 
paid  in  advance. 

“The  mass  is  an  action ,  not  a  mere 
form  of  prayer.  It  is  the  greatest  action 
that  can  be  performed  on  earth.” 

Cardinal  Newman. 

“Although  with  bodily  eyes  I  see  the 
priest  at  the  altar  of  God  offering  bread 
and  wine,  by  the  intuition  of  faith  and 
in  the  pure  light  of  the  soul  I  distinctly 
see  that  Great  High  Priest  and  True 
Pontiff,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  offering 
Himself.  He  most  assuredly  is  the 
Priest,  and  He  is  the  Sacrifice.  The 
Saving  Victim,  therefore,  is  never  and 
nowhere  diminished  or  increased,  deter¬ 
iorated  or  changed,  whether  the  priest 
standing  at  the  alter  be  a  holy  or  a  sin¬ 
ful  man.”  Alcuin. 

“In  the  mass  we  adore  God,  we  thank 
Him;  we  ask  pardon  for  sin;  we  ask  for 
new  blessings.” 

Cardinal  Vaughan. 

“Lay  this  body  anywhere;  let  not  the 
care  for  that  any  way  disquiet  you;  this 
only  I  request,  that  you  w'ould  remem¬ 
ber  me  at  the  Lord’s  altar, wherever  you 
be.”  St.  Monica  to  Her 

Son  St.  Augustine. 


SWEAR  OFF 


Tobacco  Habit 
Morphine  Habit 
Liquor  Habit 


I  EASILY 
( CURED 


Positively  no  Morphine  in  Our  Tablets. 

Hill’s  Double  Chloride  of  Gold  Tablette 
will  cure  any  case  of  Morphine,  Liquor  or 
Tobacco  Habit  in  from  ten  to  thirty  days. 
No  effort  required  of  the  patient,  who  is  al¬ 
lowed  the  use  of  stimulants  until  he  volun¬ 
tarily  quits  their  use.  Can  be  given  in  tea 
or  coffee,  without  the  knowledge  of  patient. 
Testimonials  sent  free.  TRY  IT. 


The  Ohio  Chemical  Works 
P.  O.  Box  323-R.  Toledo,  Ohio 

Price  $1.00  per  package. 


Russian  Ice  Palace,  Refreshment  Booth 


Officials  of  Refreshment  Booth 


Wy  A  A  O  Are  You  Going? 

jl\  t  /ll\  CLHaving  installed  the  greatest  light  known 

to  photographic  scientists,  we  will  be  open  all 
during  the  Bazar  and  will  be  prepared  to  take  photos  both  day 
and  evening.  CL  Step  in  while  there  and  consider  our  quality 
and  price  of  photos.  CL  Great  variety  in  prices,  ranging  from 
our  famous  Penny  Pictures  to  the  better  grade  Art  Folios. 
CL  Entrance  off  main  floor  of  Coliseum. 


Griggs  &  West 


Coliseum  Studio 

Coliseum  Building 

118-120  Grove  Avenue 


Both  Phones  72 

Meats 

and 

Provisions 


H.  H.Volstorff 


11  North  State  Street 


Elgin,  Illinois 


Grand  Union  Tea  Co. 

Teas,  Coffees,  Spices,  Extracts 


1 1  Grove  Ave. 


ELGIN,  ILL. 


ALBERT  HENTZ 

LADIES'  AND  GENTS’  TAILOR 

CLOTHES  PRESSED,  CLEANED 
DYED  AND  REPAIRED 


Steam  Dye  House 

2  1  5  CH  ICAGO  ST. 


All  Work  Guaranteed 

ELGIN,  ILL. 


JOHN  WHITTINGHAM 

Watchmaker,  Jeweler  and  Optician 


A  Fine  Stock  of  Jewelry 
Repairing  a  Specialty  :  : 


Watches  Cleaned,  75c. 
I.-S.  Phone  665. 


Mainspring,  only  75c. 
57  Milwaukee  St. 


Are  you  afflicted  with 

Stomach  Trouble? 

If  so,  write  us  your  symptoms  and  enclose  fifty  cents,  and  we  will  give 
you  directions  for  a  simple  Home  Remedy  which  has  relieved  hundreds 
when  medicine  failed.  Address: 

Home  Remedy  Company 

AURORA,  ILLINOIS. 


Dutch  Windmill,  Booth  No.  2 


JOSEPH  STEPHENS 


614  CASS  ST.,  ALSO  207  JEFFERSON  AVE.,  JOLIET,  ILL. 


LOOK  FOR  THE  NAMES 
WE  GUARANTEE  THE  REST 


STARR  PIANOS 

NEWMAN  BROS. 
PIANOS  AND 
O  R  G  A  NS 

BA  YLESS  &  WES  T 

7  Spring  Street,  -  Elgin,  Illinois 


Everything  in  Music 


TUNING,  REPAIRING  AND 
REBUILDING  OF  PIANOS  AND 
ORGANS  A  SPECIALTY 


Karstens 

Can’t  be  Beat  for 
Bargains. 

A  complete  line  of 
DRY  GOODS 
NOTIONS 
CROCKERY 
and 

TINWARE 

Don’t  Forget  the  place! 

No.  12 

North  State  Street. 

Chicago  Phone  1651, 
Inter-State  Phone  658. 


Dr.  Melody  and  His  Sermons. 

If  eloquence  is  the  power  of  express¬ 
ing  freely  in  appropriate  language  the 
purest  and  noblest  thoughts,  we  con¬ 
clude  that  Dr.  Melody  is  truly  eloquent. 
As  a  theologian,  participating  in  the 
deep  mysteries  of  moral  theology,  his 
contributions  to  the  world  of  knowledge 
will  have  more  than  local  fame,  for  the 
reason  of  the  high  position  he  holds  in 
Washington  University,  and  the  number 
of  theologians  he  instructs.  He  has  a 
marvelously  flexible  voice,  an  express¬ 
ive  face,  and  a  strong  personal  magnet¬ 
ism.  He  has  also  the  distinction  of 
being  an  eminent  orator,  and  for  this 
reason,  he  is  frequently  called  upon  to 
be  present  at  the  great  functions  of  our 
Holy  Church  in  many  prominent  par¬ 
ishes. 

The  people  of  St.  Mary’s  parish  have 
reason  to  congratulate  themselves  on 
being  favored  with  three  of  his  devo¬ 
tional  and  rhetorical  discourses  during 
the  Forty  Hours. 

In  Sunday  morning’s  sermon  he  took 
for  his  text  “What  doth  it  profit  a  man 
if  he  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his 
own  soul.”  He  dwelt  on  the  subject 
with  great  enthusiasm  and  during  the 
sermon  referred  to  two  examples.  One, 
the  rich  young  man  of  Assisi,  who  re¬ 
nouncing  all  his  worldly  honors,  was 
drawn  to  the  service  of  God  by  hearing 
a  sermon  on  the  same  text.  Thisyouug 
man  was  plainly  understood  to  be  the 
humble  St.  Francis,  founder  of  the  Fran- 
ciscians.  Also  the  soldier  of  Loyola, 
the  Great  St.  Ignatius,  to  whom,  after 
God,  we  are  indebted  for  the  society  of 
Jesus  (Jesuits)  that  may  truly  be  called 
the  Light  of  the  Church  at  the  present 
time,  as  they  are  the  means  of  spreading 
the  light  of  faith,  not  only  in  our  own 
country,  but  also  in  distant  and  bar¬ 
barous  nations.  He  also  dwelt  in  thrill¬ 
ing  terms  on  the  great  need  of  our  time, 
namely— a  lively  faith.  Dr.  Melody’s 
closing  remarks  were  of  a  character 
touching  the  celebration  of  the  Forty 
Hours,  and  he  strongly  urged  the  peo¬ 
ple  to  attend  the  devotions,  especially 
the  adoration  hours.  This  he  did  with 


a  warmth  and  enthusiasm  that  excited 
the  feelings  of  the  people. 

The  subject  chosen  for  our  meditation 
Sunday  evening  was  Faith.  Dr.  Melody 
told  how  all  things  in  nature  and  his¬ 
tory  were  accepted  on  the  evidence  of 
others,  especially  historians  and  scien¬ 
tists;  but  in  matters  of  faith  alone,  man 
refuses  to  accept  anything  but  what  he 
can  prove.  It  is  not  on  the  evidence  of 
man  alone  we  accept  religious  truths, 
but  on  the  word  of  our  Lord,  who  has 
founded  His  Church,  which  teaches  us 
those  sublime  truths  that  we  believe. 
We  must  say  with  the  apostle,  “Lord  I 
believe,  help  Thou  my  unbelief.”  He 
told  how  this  was  true  especially  of  our 
Lord  in  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  We 
cannot  understand  this  great  truth,  but 
faith  assures  us  it  is  so,  and  we  accept 
it  on  the  words  of  our  Divine  Lord,  who 
cannot  deceive  nor  be  deceived. 

Monday  evening,  the  last  of  the  series 
of  lectures,  Dr.  Melody  took  for  his  text 
“Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God, 
with  thy  whole  soul,  and  thy  whole 


Is’nt  much — but  it’s  worth  saving.  One 
Dollar  will  start  your  Savings’  Account  here 
and  may  be  the  starting  of  a  fortune. 

If  it’s  a  choice  with  you  this  minute  between 
SPENDING  One  Dollar  foolishly  or  SAV¬ 
ING  IT — bank  it  here  by  all  means,  where 
it  will,  with  all  other  Dollars  you  deposit 
here,  earn  3%  interest,  compounded  semi¬ 
annually. 

Home  Savings  Bank 

OF  ELGIN 


T ) 

Dorothy 

Dodd” 

Eopu 

tar  Jrnces 

"Walk 

-Over” 

Latest 

Styles.. 

“  Pmgree-Made 
Ralston-Health 

She 

3es  and  Oxfords.  $2.00  to  $4.00 

a  Pair 

Landborg  &  Collins 

Co. 

Old  Postoffice  Corner 

Everything 
Returned 
But  the  Dirt 

When  you  patronize  the 

Elgin  Steam 

Laundry  Co. 

W.  H.  GOLTTING,  Pres.  &  Mgr. 

113-115-117  Division  St. 
ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 

Both  Phones  145 


YOUNG  MAN 

-  We  Have  Your 


Stylish  New  Suit  Ready . 

Single  or  Double 
Breasted 
Black  Unfinished 
Worsteds 

Faultless  Tailoring  at 

$15,  $18,  $20,  and  $25. 

Plaut  &  Co. 

Old  Post  Office  Blk- ,  Elgin,  Illinois 


Room  3,  Home  Bank  Block 
Second  Floor 


Telephone  4984 


JOE  H.  JONES 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 

Real  Estate,  Insurance,  Stocks  and  Bonds 

Surety  Bonds 

SUPERINTENDENT  MT.  HOPE  CEMETERY. 


mind,  and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself  for 
the  love  of  God.”  He  told  how  im¬ 
possible  it  is  to  love  God  unless  you 
love  your  neighbor.  How  many  people 
there  are,  who  think  they  love  God  be¬ 
cause  they  perform  all  their  religious 
duties,  but  when  asked  to  lend  a  help¬ 
ing  hand  for  a  charitable  purpose,  the 
request  meets  with  such  a  cold  refusal 
that  you  would  sometimes  gladly  go 
outside  of  the  so-called  church  people 
to  meet  a  truly  charitable  person.  He 
dwelt  with  great  enthusiasm  on  this  sub¬ 
ject,  and  above  all  solicited  the  people 
to  pray  to  our  Lord  in  the  Blessed  Sacra¬ 
ment  to  give  them  true  charity. 

Agnes  Dorley,  ’09. 

The  school  of  adversity  and  the  college 
of  hard  work  seldom  turn  out  any  fail¬ 
ures. 

Life  is  too  short  to  be  spent  nursing 
bitter  feelings. 


Bring  or  Mail  Your  Orders  to 

MILLER’S 

Rubber  Stamp  Works 

McBride  Blk... ELGIN,  ILL. 

For  Rubber  Stamps,  Supplies,  Etc. 
CLOur  type  is  new  and  makes  good  stamps 
We  Are  Manufacturers  Established  1885 


See  NEWTON  J.  TAYLOR  for 
...Reliable  Groceries... 

2-4-6-8  S.  Geneva  St.  and  301  E.  Chicago  St 
Phones — Chicago  192  and  193,  N-W.  219 
Successor  to 
C.  W.  TAYLOR 
At  the  old  H.  Sturm  store 


FRED  P.  CAMPBELL 

120  GROVE  AVE. 

Cigars,  Tobacco,  Con¬ 
fectionery  and  Fruits 

All  the  Choice  Brands  of  Cigars,  Plug  and 
Fine  Cut  Tobacco 

BOX  CANDY  A  SPECIALTY 


The  selection  of 

A  MONUMENT 

To  mark  the  graves  of  our  friends 
Is  a  matter  requiring  careful  consideration 

ELGIN  MARBLE  &  GRANITE  WORKS 


Is  prepared  to  furnish  artistic  designs  in  a  variety  of  styles 
and  at  prices  within  the  reach  of  all. 

A  fine  sample  stock  always  on  hand  and  special  designs 
furnished  on  application. 

If  you  contemplate  purchasing  anything  in  this  line  drop  a 
card  to  the  manager  and  a  representative  will  call  upon  you. 

CHAS.  A.  SOPER,  Proprietor 

Bluff  City  Boulevard, 

Telephone,  Chicago  7131.  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 

Opposite  Bluff  City  Cemetery 


ELGIN  CITY  BANKING  CO. 


ESTABLISHED  1869  - 


itSl  XI on .000  Deposits  $1,240,000 

'US  AND  PROFITS  -  -  $50,000 

PAYS  INTEREST  AT  3  PER  CENT. 

$1.00  Opens  an  Account 

It  is  better  to  take  a  conservative  rate  of  interest  on  your  money  with  a  safe 
return  when  wanted  than  higher  rates  and  feeling  of  unrest  and 

doubt  about  the  principal. 


t 


NO  PLACE  LIKE 
HOME 


Elgin  is  noted  for  its  many  nicely 
furnished,  happy  homes,  and 
almost  every  man  and  woman  has 
an  ambition  to  possess  as  nice  a 
home  as  their  circumstances  will 
permit. 

Our  “Easy  Payment”  plan  of  pur¬ 
chasing  has  helped  many  people 
to  begin  housekeeping  in  good 
style  with  a  small  outlay  of  ready 
cash. 

Can  We  Help  You? 

Danials  &  Clark 

Peoples  Easy 
Payment  Store 

227-229  Chicago  St.,  Elgin 


O/  BEGIN  NOW! 

°  Big  Fortunes 

Have  Had  Small  Beginning 


Elgin  National  Bank 


“HONEST  JOHN”  and  “NOX-EM”  corn  “Killing”  plasters 
are  guaranteed  under  the  Pure  Food  and  Drugs  act,  June  30, 
1906.  Serial  No.  3223. 

These  plasters  have  many  imitators,  but  their  CURATIVE 
POWER  CANNOT  be  successfully  imitated.  It  is  a  thing  by  it¬ 
self.  We  refund  money  in  any  case  where  customers  are  not 
satisfied. 

“Honest  John”  25  cents  a  box,  “Nox  Em”  10  cents  a  pack¬ 
age.  Sold  by  all  Druggists  and  Shoe  Dealers,^  or  mailed  to  am 
address  on  receipt  of  price,  stamps  or  coin.  Prepared  by 


REGISTERED 


M.  R.  KELLY  &  CO. 

JOLIET,  ILL.,  U.  S.  A. 


TTUDE 


P  A  LN  TING 


CALCIMINING 


AND 


DECORATING 


Bluff 


Wall  Paper  Co. 


eVgin, 


ILLINOIS 


4  A 

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